WTF? According to an article in USA Today, most kids learn to swear before they fully learn the alphabet. And who's to blame? We parents, of course.
So says a new book by Mellissa Mohr, In Holy Sh*t: A Brief History of Swearing. Apparently we English speakers cuss once every 140 or so words, give or take. Yes, our swear words are as prolific as our personal pronouns "our," "us" and "we."
It all starts when a kid is around three or four, and swearing varies according to economic status—with the middle class making a point to curse less than the truly wealthy. "Aristocrats have a secure position in society, so they can say whatever they want—and may even make a show of doing so," says Mohr.
But it's not all bad. Cursing has its upshots, like helping us commiserate and bond over, say, a despised colleague or manager. It also somehow relieves physical pain (think stubbed toe).
Swearing is as old as the hills. As old as the Romans and even Ye Olde English, from whence that swearing gem 'shit' derived.
Do you swear as much as this freakin' mommy? Don't want your child to swear? Then soap your own tongue first. But just know that when they start school, all bets are off.
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