Do You Swear By The 'F' Word?
March 10th 2008 18:33
I am a fan of the ‘F’ word. I’ll use it as a verb, a noun, or even as an adjective. It’s such a useful word, so simple yet so versatile, often even cathartic. Surprise, pain, sorrow, joy, anger – so many emotions can be expressed in that one utterance.
But – is it all too easy to fall into the trap of using such an all-inclusive word rather than being truly creative with language? For instance, I love the word ‘fornicate’, but one syllable is often more gratifying than three. And what of film? Is the ‘F’ word robbing us of more inventively expressive dialogue?
Consider this list of well known films. Beside each, I have listed the average number of uses of the ‘F’ word per minute, and then the total number of instances. You may be surprised at the frequency – I was.
The film with the most uses of the ‘F’ word is, naturally, Steve Anderson’s documentary, F*ck, with 824 occurrences in 93 minutes.
Despite many theories – most of them false, but very amusing – the origin of the ‘F’ word is still unknown. What we do know is that it has been around a very long time, with the first documented use in 1475. It wasn’t until 1970, however, that it was used in mainstream cinema, in Robert Altman’s MASH.
So, does the ‘F’ word still have power, or have we become lazy, letting four letters say what they will in place of real expression? When we watch a movie without even blinking as the ‘f*ck count’ reaches the hundreds, shouldn’t we be wondering – has the ‘F’ word become a curse?
Michaelie Clark
NB: My seemingly hypocritical use of euphemism has been employed so as not to offend unknown readers, and most of all, the Google gods.
Bad language, or all to the good? Image courtesy of wordpress.com
But – is it all too easy to fall into the trap of using such an all-inclusive word rather than being truly creative with language? For instance, I love the word ‘fornicate’, but one syllable is often more gratifying than three. And what of film? Is the ‘F’ word robbing us of more inventively expressive dialogue?
Consider this list of well known films. Beside each, I have listed the average number of uses of the ‘F’ word per minute, and then the total number of instances. You may be surprised at the frequency – I was.
Reservoir Dogs.......2.71.......269
The Big Lebowski.......2.22.......260
Casino.......2.23.......398
Monster.......1.70.......187
Good Will Hunting.......1.22.......154
Bad Santa.......1.75.......173
Pulp Fiction.......1.72.......265
The Departed.......1.56.......237
Scarface.......1.21.......207
Trainspotting.......1.58..... ..147
Domino.......1.15.......147
Running Scared.......2.58.......315
The Big Lebowski.......2.22.......260
Casino.......2.23.......398
Monster.......1.70.......187
Good Will Hunting.......1.22.......154
Bad Santa.......1.75.......173
Pulp Fiction.......1.72.......265
The Departed.......1.56.......237
Scarface.......1.21.......207
Trainspotting.......1.58..... ..147
Domino.......1.15.......147
Running Scared.......2.58.......315
Quentin Tarantino - a frequent f*cker. Image courtesy of tunc.biz
The film with the most uses of the ‘F’ word is, naturally, Steve Anderson’s documentary, F*ck, with 824 occurrences in 93 minutes.
Despite many theories – most of them false, but very amusing – the origin of the ‘F’ word is still unknown. What we do know is that it has been around a very long time, with the first documented use in 1475. It wasn’t until 1970, however, that it was used in mainstream cinema, in Robert Altman’s MASH.
Robert Altman - f*cking pioneer. Image courtesy of bravotv.com
So, does the ‘F’ word still have power, or have we become lazy, letting four letters say what they will in place of real expression? When we watch a movie without even blinking as the ‘f*ck count’ reaches the hundreds, shouldn’t we be wondering – has the ‘F’ word become a curse?
Michaelie Clark
NB: My seemingly hypocritical use of euphemism has been employed so as not to offend unknown readers, and most of all, the Google gods.
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Comment by Joanne Fedler
I think used sparingly, it packs a lot of power.
Great post as always Michaeilie - you're a font of fabulous information
Jo
Comment by Sara Dobson
My Turn
Comment by charliesgirl_992000
Histeries, Mysteries and what not
Lifes little slices
Mystical Creativity
I agree, it is harder then stopping smoking. Lol
Tammy
Comment by tlcorbin
Comment by Geoff Egan
Noise Fanatic
If I said "Your pressence causes me immense displeasure" using more eloquant words, just doesn't sound the same as "I f'ing hate you".
But personally I think I can go over the top. When you start swearing with no reason, and putting the f word in the middle of other words, I think there may be an issue. But hey, I'm blaming it on my Irish heritage
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Not a big fan - but have been known to use it to effect - which is when it is best employed.
Stay well
MNG
Comment by The wonderful Peter Yang
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Power Ranger Online
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Stay healthy and loose weight
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I think used sparingly, it packs a lot of power.
I agree. And I definitely think it's one word that can really change tone depending on context - it can have a real dangerous edge or be very comic, etc.
Thank you!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
The 'F' word, more addictive than nicotine! If only there were patches for that.
I know what you mean, it's such a habit and doesn't feel offensive in the manner in which I use it. It's not like I ever say 'F*#! you' to anyone. I know I probably swear too much, but I can refrain when I have to.
I don't say the 'C' word though. It definitely still holds a lot of power, and it's a power that is often misused, and which gives me an aversion to it.
Thanks, great to see you!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
It's really hard to stop when the people around you swear. I didn't used to swear at work (much) but now I do because I am working with people who do, and it just sort of rubs off.
Here's to not sounding like the Ozbournes!
Thanks Tammy!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
So you're not the trooper who gave rise to the saying?
Thanks for dropping in.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Let's all blame it on our Irish heritage! And then we'll get drunk and do a little jig.
Re: being articulate. Yes that's all well and good, but I hear you - sometimes it's just so much more effective to be blunt.
But not all the time. If you hear me say something to this effect: 'F*** f***er f***ing f*** sh*t f***' then you know all is not well, and I have been pushed beyond coherent syntactic construction.
Lol.
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Very true my friend. It really makes you take notice when someone who never says it, goes ahead and says it! I think the same goes for film, the potency depends on the context and the character.
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
There's another 'F' word I use too much - fabulous. But you're not fabulous, you're wonderful! And that's ever so much better.
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by Wayne F
Bucket Snipets
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
A bucket full of f***s. I suppose that's pretty reasonable considering your blog is about suffering through all the bad films for the benefit of the masses. Public service is always bound to make you swear.
Michaelie
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Hehe that's quite all right, you are a refined lady and I get about swearing like a fishwife - but we have the most important things in common!
Thanks for swinging by, and for the fffffffreaking great compliment!
Michaelie
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
Food Slate
Comment by Mountain Fog
What’s f#@ken wrong with the word f@$k?
F@#k me! I don’t f@%ken under-f@#king-stand myself!
Never has one word had so many uses, and given such complete temporary relief from a stressful moment than the honourable, even venerable, olde worlde word, f#@k! Loathed as it may be in some quarters, it shall never die!
I love it! So f@#k it and f@#k me!!!
Some of my old pals used to say, I was the only person they knew who could use the F word, in an amusing way, engendering more bonhomie by expletive, than could be done without it in the circumstances, and still not offend anyone!
However, the acceptance of the F word, even the dreaded C word, is dependant upon the intonation and stress placed upon its pronunciation by the user, and the circumstances of its use.
Ok, so sometimes I have used it mischievously, targeting certain F word haters and the like, but only to upset pompous and arrogant morons, who desperately need their egos pricked from time to time.
Last Sunday, a retiring member of the “So You Think You Can Dance” TV show used the F word quite naturally and with good effect, to show his love and appreciation for his fellow contestants.
However, shamed into some sort of apology, ("Now you all know this is really live TV," the idiot host gasped), he then explained that it was a commonly used word in the Kimberleys, and that in his microcosm, no one took offence!
HEAR HEAR!!
F*#KEN EH!!!!!!!!!
cheers and expletive deletives to one an' all!!!
fog
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I agree that it is often used lazily both in life and entertainment but when appropriately assigned nothing else can resonate with the same strength.
Mich if your interested I did a review of the documentary "Fuck" on my site last year...you can read it HERE
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Fog,
Absolutely. And as for mischief - it's a must. I swear.
Thank ya, Fog!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks mate
Michaelie
Comment by What's Your Story?
What's Your Story?
Big Day Plunge
I try to kick the habit, but it just effin makes its way back.
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I haven't left a comment yet and you're already smiling at me?
I'd better make it a good one, huh?
The truth is that I really dislike hearing this word anywhere, but like MNG have sparingly used it over the years with great effect. Overall it is better to find a simple word to express the feeling of the moement... and usually - if creative enough or mis-said - very valuable at diffusing a tense/angry situation into raucus laughter!
However, there was the boyfirend of a friend of mine who said the f word after every other word - one for one - the result was a remarkable character that didn;t sound agressive, but hillariously funny.
One could go as far as to say that there are those whom it suits, but not many.
I wonder what prompted this question M?
Lilla ...
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
How did you get those stats?! Another fascinating post.
I definitely agree it is a cathartic word that is increasingly versatile. I tend to save my outbursts for in the car where noone can hear me unless they have lip-reading skills or in front of the computer/printer. Technology seems to set me off...especially crappy printers and vacuum cleaners. Urghhh.
I had a friend (similar to what Lilla was saying about her humorous friend), that only seemed to speak with the word in each sentence at least once. He even used it as a greeting, 'how are you going,fucken?' He made it sound so natural, it was non-offensive, hilarious and it was just how he spoke. I can't imagine him without that greeting. Even at his 21st party, the word was in there as he was thanking his parents.
But...I often do cringe when I hear it in circumstances where it seems to be aggressive or potentially aggressive. The word takes on a different meaning and it’s not funny at all.
I saw The Big Lebowski for the first time last weekend and loved it. It was definitely a huge part of their vocab wasn't it? As well as dude.
Byee
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Hahahaha ME TOO. I had a very stressful day at work yesterday - you should've heard what was in my head then..!
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I know what you're saying - tone is very important, making it either trashy, funny, scary, stupid, funny... and any other dwarves you care to name. Lol.
I saw an article that mentioned the amount of times the word was used in Casino, thought it was interesting, looked into it further and went from there. The way it's used in cinema, and particularly TV, is quite curious, but I am intrigued by the word and its history in general.
Thanks Lilla (you definitely earned the smile!)
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Well, I sat down in front of the TV with a pen and paper and tallied up the f***s... Haha not really, can you imagine? I was going to credit them, but couldn't be bothered as I got them all over the place.
I can imagine you swearing like a madwoman at the computer! I remember your printer and lost file stories well. Lol.
I don't like the 'F' word when used in a trashy or aggressive way at all - except for cinematic purposes of course - but I do love the word generally, and I would think I mostly use it in banter, in a fun kind of way.
The Big Lebowski - f***ing great.
Thanks Trace!
Michaelie
Comment by Aimzster
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
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Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAH!
Oh God I laughed so much when I read that comment! It's like you have these cute little strategies for shocking people! 'Let's hit them with the MFC combo!'
That's hilarious - and I must say I'm the same. And it's so hard to switch off for 'polite' situations.
And - Carrie. Am I really channelling Carrie Bradshaw? I don't know if that's good or bad, but I should probably stop watching a Sex ep every morning while having brekkers! Lol. At least I didn't say "I couldn't help but wonder..." Haha.
Thanks Aimz
Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Phew, I misread your response and thought you said you'd actually sat through those twelve films adding up the amounts!
Yeppie, much swearing happens in the office. Last week I nearly did another post on crappy electronic items that didn't work...but then I was afraid I sounded paranoid and mad, plus I've already done it before. But honestly, everthing I touched that day broke, including the door handle to the car.
But all is much calmer here now, thank f**k
Trace
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
On TV, I reckon Gordon Ramsay would have to be the person that says it the most. I'm in love with Gordon and watch all his shows. He drops the f-bomb at least twice in most sentences.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Your frustrated posts about the technology in your Life are hilarious - and it sounds like you have constant inspiration! Lol.
But I'm glad things have settled down, for your sake!
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Oh Gordon Ramsay, yeah he's a f**ker and a half. God, I'd hate to work for him though!
You have to use the F word a lot Kylie - imagine if you had to write about Britney and you couldn't use any semblance of swearing? "Britney is quite insane and ridiculous" just isn't the same as "Britney is f**king batshit crazy".
Michaelie
Comment by Anna Kovacevic
So who are you anyway?
Once the c word loses it's shock value I do wonder where we'll go from there, we might have to make a new one up....
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Where indeed... I rarely, if ever, use the C word, but if I do I even shock myself! Once the taboo is gone there... I don't know, maybe we will have to make up a new one! It's funny what a particular arrangement of letters can do.
Thanks for stopping by
Michaelie
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
F**kin' A.... brilliant post! Made me laugh.... In the 60s there was an urban legend in which we are told -- with a straight face -- that the word 'fuck' originated as the acronym of 'Fornication Under Consent of the King' HAHA! Thanks
Mis
Comment by Anonymous
I constantly and consistently use the "F" word - all day - every day. My teenage children use it too and I spend the rest of my day shouting "LANGUAGE!" in their general directions. It's quite hideous now that I think about it because I know that as a child the worst thing I ever used to say was "bloody" or "bugger" and if really cross "bastard" used to sneak out.
So how did I get to where I am today? Not sure, but reckon I learnt a lot of swear words in my teens in the dairy from my father. His favourite swear word was "fuck-knuckle". That was of course said after a cow either kicked him, shit on him , pissed on him or flicked him in the eye with its tail.
I still get a laugh when I use the term now - it really tweaks people's curiosity as to what it means.
Silly pack of fuck-knuckles!
Great post oh ye great wordsmith!
Pamela
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Haha, I've heard that one as well - too bad the most interesting explanation of origin proves false!
Always glad to give someone a laugh.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Hehehe - fuck-knuckle. Is there any other word that sounds so ridiculous and amusing?
I think I picked up swearing at school (oh the joys of the education system) and from my mother. She tries to camouflage her swearing, but the minute she tries to get a Sudoku puzzle out - she sounds like she's got Tourette's. Lol.
Thanks for the comment and the most wonderful compliment.
Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I hate vacuuming so much and avoid as much as I can, the midget monster never goes in the direction I want, then it gets stuck, I yank it and it bounces heavily into my leg. I think the little robotic machine of crap is out to get me...and now the wheel has fallen off...but it's a good reason not to vacuum!!
It's all an opportunity for more swearing and moaning
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Im chronic. Its fuckin everything down to fan fucking tastic. I can do incredibly well, but like everyone has said....It creeps back. Like Fog I can generally make it humouros rather than offensive. I say it so much Ive got my MUM saying it!
My birds first words will probably be - "Fucking stop it!"
As for its origin? I heard it came from the times when the KIng had complete control over every man and his possesions, including his wife. So if a man said 'fuck' or 'im fucked' it was a particularly dirty word, as it meant his wife was...
Fornicating Under Command of the King.
Makes sense to me!
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
The wheel(s) have most definitely fallen off!
What are you doing, woman? You need to go have this 'curse of the machines' removed. Do you have any local witch doctors? In the meantime, make Rich do the vacuuming. Lol.
Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Vacuuming is Rich's dept, I absolutely refuse to do it unless it’s an emergency.
Byee
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
As long as it's not the first word your kids' say!
The story about the king - hilarious but sadly not true. The real origin probably isn't half as interesting!
Thanks for coming by Kleo - and thanks for the fan-fucking-tastic comment!
Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Afterwards I would be hair and catastrophe-free
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I'll PM you the names of some machine-curse exorcists ASAP. Unless you wronged a sewing wheel or horse and buggy in a past life, then there's no hope for you.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Comment by Louie
Climate Red
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Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks Louie!
Michaelie
Comment by Ash
Flashes of memories
I use this word constantly... under my breath... if I were to say it too loud I would probably get a smack in the mouth... even at my ripe old age!
Like all words it has it`s time and place where no other word can have the same impact... I do agree that some people can use it effectively and it forms part of their character.
My great aunt used to have a canary when we said "SIS"... not sure if that`s just an African word but it means... YUK or GROSS. That used to be the contemporary equivalent of f*ck. As sis has been encorporated into everyday language so, eventually, will f*ck ... in fact I reckon it`s already happened.
Great post! Happy Easter
Ash
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Heh heh I laughed at your 'sis' story - such a funny little African comparison!
F*ck is definitely getting that way - but I still think it depends on tone. But then, how people take what we say always depends on that, so I dunno! Not really taboo anymore, anyway.
Thanks a million Ash, and I hope you had a wonderful Easter!
Michaelie