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The first time I ever ate a bar of soap was when I was 8 years old. Tears silently ran down my face as the stinging sensation in my mouth quickly grew. My molars were digging grooves into this bar of Ivory discipline, and I knew at that moment I would never, ever swear in front of my mom again.

The F-word, and every other dirty word we know, is fun to say for some, but annoy and irritate others. They can imply an unintelligent tone while speaking and degrade people at the same time. These are words you should never use around your grandma, in church, in line at the grocery store or while meeting someone’s parents for the first time.

Well, you know what I say to that? F— it.

These obscene words only have the power they do because we give it to them. If I stubbed my toe and shouted out, “FUDGE!” People may giggle or ask if I’m OK. But if I was in the same situation and shouted out a different F-word, I’d get dirty looks and be asked to leave. The problem lies with our instilled sense of morals.

Part of the lure of even using these words is the fact that they’re so wrong to use. For most of us, we’re taught from childhood not to ever use bad language. It’s bad for kids and only something the most cretinous adults do. That taboo is what drives the adolescent mind to embrace swearing.

There’s a primal and guttural satisfaction involved when you ramble off a line of these sinfully gratifying words. If, for instance, I just got an A on a test when I wasn’t expecting it, I wouldn’t say, “Oh golly gee, I just feel wonderful about my exam score!” I would pump my fist, bring my head back and release an emphatic and resounding “F— YEAH!”

Context plays an important role as well. The situation in which the word is being used controls how much power and actual vulgarity is put into the word.

“The word itself is just sort of a forwarding address, or it’s an indicator of the context around it,” said John Clark, associate professor of English. “The word f— didn’t have its power until it was used in enough situations to where it acquires its taboo.”

Context is important when racially or sexually degrading terms are used as well. While I am all for the use of swear words, there is a difference between a well placed F-bomb and words used to demean people.

In particular, the N-word has created a lot of controversy with its usage, not only in America, but all over the world. According to the African American Registry, a non-profit education organization, this word more than any other word captures the personal hatred and racism directed toward blacks. The controversy of this word arises because of its dual meanings. It is commonly used in a friendly way between some black people, but unfortunately also in a completely derogatory way. The word can be used both ways, but who is to decide if either of them should even be used?

Another word facing scrutiny is queer. Once used as a way to describe something as strange, it is now used as a way to describe homosexual people. It is still used by many in a derogatory way, but in the gay community, like with the N-word in the black community, it has adopted a dual meaning – one positive, one negative. But should either be used?

With the use of one kind of foul language, we can vent our frustrations or bask in the triumph of an accomplishment. With the use of the other kind of words we can demean and negate the importance of people. When it comes to deciding how to use this kind of language, there are many questions to ponder.

It is a fine line that we walk, or speak, but no matter what I say, or anyone else for that matter, I’m sure a lot of you out there just don’t give a f—.

Matt Rascher can be reached at [email protected]