PROFANITY
RISING

Topics: Blasphemy; Cursing; Profanity; Speech; Tongue; Ungodliness; Vices

References: Exodus 20:7; Psalm 19:14; Ephesians 5:4–5; Colossians 3:8; James 3:7–12

The use of profanity in America is increasing. According to an AP-Ipsos poll conducted in March 2006, nearly 75 percent of people questioned said they encountered profanity in public frequently or occasionally. Two-thirds said they think people swear more often than they did twenty years ago.

Not surprisingly, the respondents were more than “hearers of the words.” Sixty-four percent said they use the F word—ranging from several times a day (8 percent) to a few times a year (15 percent). In addition, younger people admitted using bad language more often than older people. They also encounter it more frequently and are less offended by it. The poll showed that 62 percent of people ages eighteen to thirty-four acknowledged swearing in conversation at least a few times a week, compared to 39 percent of those thirty-five and older. Swearing is also more pronounced among men; 54 percent of men swear at least a few times a week, compared to 39 percent of women.

One bit of good news: the poll showed that many people who regularly swear believe it’s wrong for them to do so.

—Associated Press, “Poll: Americans See, Hear More Profanity,” news.yahoo.com (March 29, 2006)