Its OK to use the F-word -- Ascending Light

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Date Posted: 13:36:20 10/10/04 Sun
Author: Weird_Enigma
Author Host/IP: 172.135.15.231
Subject: Its OK to use the F-word

The f-word may be considered one of the English language's most offensive swearwords, but researchers from Victoria University in New Zealand report it may be okay to say it at work--under certain cir*****stances.

According to these daring researchers, saying the f-word within the confines of your own work team helps to build and reinforce team morale, reports New Zealand's Dominion Post. They came to this startling conclusion after analyzing the conversation patterns of a work team laboring in an unidentified soap factory.

The eye-popping findings:
� The f-word was easily the most commonly used swearword.
� When it was said within the context of this close-knit work team, it was not considered offensive.
� Since the basic attitude in the group was one of friendliness where the workers genuinely liked and respected one another, they could use such oaths without being rude or insulting.

"Forms of f*** occur frequently in certain contexts and serve a range of functions, including the role of positive politeness strategy," wrote study leader and linguistics professor Janet Holmes in the international Journal of Pragmatics. "F*** is regularly associated with expressions of solidarity, including friendly terms of address."

And there's also good news for work whiners! The study found that complaining to a sympathetic colleague can help build solidarity among co-workers. The researchers defined whining as a "long or repeated expression of discontent not necessarily intended to change or improve the unsatisfactory situation." Complaining is an emotional release that can build rapport. "Teammates regularly have a moan to each other," Holmes wrote in the journal. "Whining to a sympathetic co-worker both reflects and constructs the close relationship between team members, thus consolidating the team's solidarity."

A word of caution: Swearwords, especially the f-word, must only be said in the appropriate context.

But the fact that it can be said at all at work and be acceptable is proof positive that our language is constantly evolving.

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