Acurse on this grim year
S...storm was the answer. The question, at a conference last week: What one word describes your 2020? In this professional context, expletiveswhen used in a sentence with Covid were acceptable, even expected.
But is cussing now acceptable in our workplaces? The answer is maybe. We have a complex relationship with swearing in suits.
On one hand, research shows those of us who have ‘‘foul mouths’’ are likely to have their professionalism called into question. That is a lot of us being discredited. The average American uses cuss words more than 80 times a day and the average UK employeewill hear more than 11 choice words during their shift.
Swearing by women is less likely to be tolerated. Higher expectations for polite language for ladies goes far back in time, with even Shakespeare chipping in. Nice ladies, it seems, do not curse.
There are plenty of occasions when swearing on the job rightly amounts to seriousmisconduct.
And while most of our swear words of choice focus on the act of sex and scatology, we also choose words based on religion and race and gender and sexuality.
On the other hand, swearing can show off our talents. Research has shown the correlation between a high IQ, empathy, honesty, and the likelihood of swearing. Thosewho know the most cuss words were found to have the most extensive vocabularies.
Swearing can also act as pain relief. If you let rip while your hands are submerged in ice water, you will be able to hold them under longer than if you kept your thoughts to yourself.
And there is the certain pleasurewe get from saying swear words that are usually short, sharp and expressive. Colourful language, in the right context, can add to the persuasiveness of an argument.
Studies also show most modern swearing is used for humour, shock, and to express sadness, empathy, and solidarity. Not for hostility or to cause offence.
Collective or ‘‘social’’ swearing can have positive outcomes for teams and morale. Non-abusive swearing can become a shared coded language that binds teams together. When this occurs, communication between team members becomes more honest and trust increases. This is particularly so when cursing is focused on inanimate objects or processes, not people. Stress in these teams is also lessened.
So while Covid and cursing go hand and hand, our overall relationship to swearing in the workplace is more nuanced.
Yes, social swearing builds connection and trust, but it will also exclude those who don’t want to take part. Just think of the genre of locker-room talk.
Yes, awell-placed, well-timed expletive can provide much-needed impact and create momentum and may be completely appropriate in some circumstances.
But whatever our views of swearing in the workplace, I think we all can agree on this. As 2020 draws to a close, it deserves every colourful cuss word we can think to describe it, wherever such words lie on that long continuum of curse.