How much do you curse and why?

    I often say, “English is my second language, so I have a valid excuse” whenever I misspell or misspeak a word. Even though I say this as a joke, the fact is indeed true, and since I came to the US at age 8 in 2014, I’ve had an interesting history with the language, the biggest of which was me deciding on whether or not I should curse. 

    Even before I arrived here, I knew a tiny bit of Engish. My mom often tells the story of when I was a baby. My grandmother asked me where the moon was in Chinese, and I did not react. However, when my mom asked where it was in English, I looked at the moon and pointed to it. My mom’s interest in English paired with me going to an “international” school, not that there were any international students; we just learned a tiny bit of English from a Chinese teacher, led to me having a small basic knowledge of English. Thus, I already knew of the infamous f-word even before landing on American soil. I remember saying the word with my friends back in China, and my mom said never to say that, but when I asked her what it meant, she didn’t even know. 

    What is the meaning of the f-word anyway? I feel like you can just add it to any sentence, and it would make sense… Anyway, it's not really appropriate for school, so I’ll move on. 

    When I came here, I didn’t say a single curse word. My mom always taught me to never say any English or Chinese bad words, so I just listened to her. What made me begin cursing at first was seeing my third-grade classmates’ reaction to the Chinese international student, who can barely say a full sentence, randomly dropping f-bombs. 

    Obviously, this was not a good reason to start cursing, but when I realized this fact, I’d already fallen too deep into the cursing hole, and it became natural, almost an instinct, for me. There was a period during my later years in elementary school when I would curse nonstop, often even getting into minor trouble for doing so. 

Nowadays, I definitely don’t curse as much. I like to think it is because I’ve matured, now knowing while cursing isn’t exactly a horrendous act, it is still not a good thing to do, and I should only use it for the right situation in the appropriate location.

    But how do I determine what is the right situation or location? Well, I think for situations I’m pretty lenient, especially for the common curse words. I feel like those words could be used in so many sentences it's almost like the people wanted you to say it as much as possible. But yeah, I think whenever I feel strong emotions, like happiness, anger, cringe, or fear, I would often pull out a bad word or two. 

    Now, location, on the other hand, I find myself finding a lot more scenarios where I choose to not curse. First, and obviously, not in front of my mom. The last time someone told her I was cursing, she lectured me for around half an hour. My dad, on the other hand, I don’t think he would care, not because he’s fine with me cursing, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know any curses seeing as he doesn’t know English. 

    Most teachers are also a no for cursing in front of, though sometimes I’d let one slip when I speak to my friends in front of them. If they’re cool, they’d just let it slide. 

    I don’t think it is wrong to curse. There are definitely words people shouldn’t say if it is insensitive or used to hurt someone, but when you’re really angry or frustrated, a scream of the f-word can really cheer you up. I think I’m an expressive guy, and cursing really does help convey my emotions much better. So overall, I don’t think cursing is that bad nd will continue to do it when it is necessary.