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How to Stop Cursing

Editor's Choice Transforming Bad Words into Intelligent Vocabulary

Nov 6, 2008 Abby Deliz

Cursing unfortunately can become an automated response to stress, anger, frustration, or peer-pressure. However, bad words can be eliminated from one's vocabulary.

Profanity is often used to emphasize a point, to express emotion, to seem "cool," and in some odd cases, as terms of endearment. Some people only curse when injured or terribly upset; others use profanity in nearly every sentence. While it was once taboo to curse, it now seems commonplace. There are many significant reasons why one should stop cursing.

Why People Stop Cursing

People stop saying bad words for a variety of reasons:

  • Cursing often makes one seem unintelligent, crass, and rude
  • Cursing offends other people, especially religious and racial slurs
  • When a new baby in the home has made the individual realize that he or she does not want the child to speak this way
  • People stop out of a desire to move ahead in their career and to look sharper and more intelligent to fellow employees
  • People also stop cursing out of a desire to become a better communicator who uses smarter words to express feelings

Tips to Stop Saying Bad Words

First, individuals should look at when they curse the most. Is it when stressed? With friends? At work or at school? After drinking alcohol? No matter what the situation, recognize the triggers and choose beforehand to be more mindful of word choices. Here are some other tips to stop saying bad words:

  • Does the cursing arise from anger that would be better directed in a more healthy manner, such as to a counselor or through an exercise regiment?

  • Individuals can try putting a rubber band around the wrist, and every time they curse, snap it.

  • After cursing, stop and repeat the sentence without the curse word.

  • Cut out the curse words and replace with silly words like "Fudgesicles!" "Hot Dolly!" "Snaps!" "Fizzle!" "Crud!" or other such examples.

  • Every time you curse, put a designated amount of money into a jar. At the end of each week, donate the money to charity.

  • Practice Relaxation Techniques to calm your mind and quiet your thoughts, so that you not speak before you think.

  • Use a thesaurus to find more creative words to express yourself.

  • For the really severe offender, try hypnosis. Some people bank on its effectiveness to retrain the mind.
The key to stop cursing is to realize that it is an impulse addiction that takes time to change. However, transforming one’s vocabulary not only helps others view the person as intelligent and friendly, but also helps the individual recognize his own potential to be eloquent without the use of these words.

The copyright of the article How to Stop Cursing in Personal Development is owned by Abby Deliz. Permission to republish How to Stop Cursing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Comments

Nov 11, 2008 8:59 AM
Lizz Shepherd :
Damn it, I really have a problem with that. Nothing seems to work. I like your suggestion about repeating the word without the offending words, though. That might actually help me.
Apr 18, 2009 4:52 PM
Guest :
Thanks for the suggestions on how to curb this bothersome issue. This is a bad habit I have been trying to kick for years. I haven't tried the repeat the sentence thing before but it sounds like it could help. I guess i could try hypnosis as a last resort, but i am iffy on that one. -p. miller
Apr 18, 2009 7:07 PM
Guest :
i curse a lot when i am very upset or pissed off, i try avoiding it, i get loud and start cursing specially when arguing with my boyfriend. he tells me i sound very unprofessional and ugly. so thank you very much for the tips it will do me very good. thank you.
May 2, 2009 3:57 AM
Guest :
Try hot sauce.
Dec 29, 2009 4:39 PM
Guest :
amazing and encouraging
Dec 30, 2009 11:27 AM
Guest :
i thought this was a very thought out message and it really does help
Jan 25, 2010 6:03 PM
Guest :
Nothing is worse than a grown person saying "freaking" or "hot dolly". If the situation truly calls for it, then don't curse. Using one of the thousand words that you can use as a stopgap in your vocabulary (poop, whatever) is just as bad.

Most of the time when someone curses, its to express anger. Saying "frickin" does not curtail that anger but rather dilute it. This leaves two choices: start cursing but use it only when necessary or learn how to control yourself and use the most pointed words for the situation.
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