Swearing may be commonplace, but that doesn't make it good

Almost anywhere you go - strolling down the street, in a shop, even in school - it's not unusual to hear swear words. In fact, to put it the other way 'round, it would be rather surprising if you didn't hear them.

It's so common you may not even be paying any attention to people swearing. After all, swear words have become part of everyday life. Maybe you swear, yourself, but have you ever thought about the meanings of these words?

When people hurt themselves accidentally, they often swear. When they are angry, they swear. In an argument? Some people seem to believe swearing is re quired in an argument.

But what is the point of blah- blahing these words? People nowadays think swearing is cool. Some are even proud of themselves after swearing. Unfortunately, this abnormal attitude has spread to the point that most people, especially young people, accept these words and add them to their own vocabulary.

'Why not?' you ask. 'Everyone else says so. What's wrong with it?'

They think it's a good way to express anger and to insult someone. And - most of all - to show they are rebellious and rude . . . to show off to their friends, telling them 'I belong to your group, too'.

The fact is, after you swear, nothing will happen. When you say this horrible thing to someone, it won't happen. What does happen is that the person who swears is seen as cheap.