ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to convince cognitive psychologists that cursing language is a subject that merits attention. Episodes of cursing using taboo, vulgar, offensive, or obscene words to express emotions occur frequently in spoken English. Unfortunately, psychologists interested in language and memory have virtually ignored the subject of cursing. As a result of inattention, the research, theory, and concept of "normal" language remain incomplete for descriptions of anger expression, humor, personality, sexuality, and other major areas of psychological study. Psychologists have treated the cursing lexicon as an epiphenomenon rather than an integral part of a speaker's emotional expression. The ignorance of cursing and a focus on polite speech produces models and theories of language that are inadequate. As a result, social and legal problems involving offensive language (e.g., sexual harassment) remain unsolved. Perhaps psychologists need more compelling evidence that cursing is a necessary component of normal language usage.
