Words. A word forms a distinct and meaningful form of speech or writing that is typically used with others to communicate. Yet there is a group of words that have an effect on a person deeper than most: curse words. What exactly are curse words? Where did curse words originate from? Why do we continue using them on daily basis?

William Shakespeare, known to be one of the most influential poets and playwrights, is also known as an individual that popularized profanity in the 16th century. With words such as “zounds” and “sblood”, often referring to particular components of Christianity in a negative way, Shakespeare turned the society of its time again one another. In this case, “zounds” means god’s wounds and “sblood” ties in with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  Curse words are usually used to offend and that made religion an easy target and why profanity based on religion and other sensible topics as so provocative.

As of now, profanity still plays a role in society as a form of expression toward an object. It is not just a signal of anger anymore, sometimes they are now used in common language and even as a symbol of happiness and approval. Typically, four letter curse words are the norm, although we are inventing them constantly. The question now has to become, do these words still have value?

Time progresses and so does the way we think. Curse words aren’t as shocking as they originally use to be. Our current society has done the job of, in a way, normalizing how people perceive profanity, at least compared to even 20 years ago when people would let out a small gasp every time one spoke a curse word, and they were surely not allowed on tv. This is because curse words wouldn’t be used by people unless they were angry. Is this bad? Good? Well, nothing is definite but what is clear is that profanity will forever play as role as a powerful group of words that are viewed far differently from the rest.

– Kimberly Franco