Is cursing in the office something you should do?

I don’t know about you, but I have a bit of a potty mouth. Not that most of my colleagues (former and present) at work would know. That’s because I tend to try and avoid cursing in the office.

Not because there are strict rules about using profane language at the workplace. It’s just a personal choice on my part. But when you are an adult, it is almost impossible to avoid either using a swear word here and there yourself or being around someone who uses graphic language.

However, there’s an unwritten taboo about cursing in the office. People tend to keep obscene language to a minimum when they are at work. But these days, workplaces are pretty casual compared to the rigidity of a few decades back. Employers give more leeway for some things that were unacceptable to older generations. For instance, when I got my first tattoo, despite my mom’s dire predictions, no one at work commented negatively.

So with that in mind, should you be cursing in the office?

Why do people swear?

Raise your hands if you’ve ever experienced a slight inconvenience and vented your feelings with a heartfelt profane word. I’m talking about something as minor as stubbing your toe against a piece of furniture you pass every day of your life.

It happens.

If you run a Google search on the subject, you’ll find dozens of articles providing answers. There are different reasons for people using offensive language and it’s not always used negatively. There are some positive outcomes linked with swearing, as Swearing is Good for You: The Amazing Science of Bad Language will tell you.

You might swear

• while sharing a joke or storytelling
• as an emotional release instead of physical aggression
• to fit in and bond with some people
• in order to mange your stress levels

And, believe it or not, but cursing can even help with your pain tolerance – as proved by science!

Cursing in the office

So, picture the scene. You’ve just stubbed your toe on a piece of office furniture. As a response to the pain, you let out a swear word. And horror of horrors, your boss heard you!

What happens now?

In all likelihood, nothing but a good-natured chuckle at your expense or advice for you to be more careful.

Despite cursing in the office being taboo, you don’t always get in trouble for it. Yes, there are instances when it can be grounds for dismissal. The acceptability of using offensive language at work depends on the context.

• the situation
• the exact words
• who is doing it
• who is listening to the profanity
• the person it is aimed at

For instance, going on a tirade at your boss and swearing up a storm in the office can land you in a world of trouble with HR. Similarly, using crude language in front of clients or customers will negatively affect your image and that of the company. During a conflict, swearing at your colleague can also be problematic. And working next to someone who swears for no particular reason can get old really quickly.

On the other hand, muttering a quick swear word to yourself when a technical failure leads to losing an entire day’s worth of work is easy to overlook. You aren’t targeting anyone in anger, simply evening your frustration. So remember, time and place. And also, the words you use.

Can you get in trouble for swearing at work?

Different workplaces will have their own rules regarding the use of profanity at work. Depending on the severity or lack thereof, you might get either a

• verbal or written warning
• suspension
• outright dismissal

Swearing in the office because of a stubbed toe or something similar will mostly go unnoticed. However, if you being to hurl obscenities at a colleague while being aggressive, the consequences can be harsher.

So if you have a potty mouth, it’s not an immediate worry. Depending on how, why, when where and what words you use, your swearing won’t get you in trouble. A well-timed swear word can even diffuse a situation or help you to form bonds with your colleagues. However, make sure to not use offensive or crude language at the drop of a hat or worse, intentionally to hurt someone.