@$#%!

I think a lot about this. I think it's a generation gap. I curse freely with my my friends. I would never in a million years curse around someone older than me if they were in a position of authority. My parents hate it, but a lot of parents I know swear quite a lot. In classes I have had, students have cursed in formal speeches with not an eyebrow raised, and I have had few professors that didn't swear once or twice. Some professors that I had been quite close with were just as bad as me. I have always thought it was interesting how the lines are drawn.

I love swearing. I would like for all of those words to not even be "swear" words, but I imagine that no such language exists. I think the problem is people not knowing when and where it's appropriate. It's sort of like dirty jokes - you only tell them to people you know, and know will not be offended.

Edit: On what JLG said.... what is perceived as a lack of control is probably meant as a compliment of sorts. If it's not used in an outburst, that is. I associate swearing with humor, not anger. I think it's sort of a "I consider you to be a comrade, and I'll talk to you as such" kind of thing, mostly as a way to bring both people to the same level and erase hierarchy. Obviously, that backfires more often than not, because some people in a high position really enjoy the view from up there. Nevertheless, I think that is often the intention, rather than "I'm insulting you".