What exactly is swearing? Nowadays, swearing is a hot topic in the comment sections. Apparently, some TV programs started it all. I haven't watched any of these programs, so some might argue that I am not entitled to an opinion on this matter. But as I understand it, it is the Northern Norwegian tendency to spice up their explanations with crude words that do not quite appeal to the more proper part of the population, which primarily resides in the southeastern parts of the country. Some might use the word narrow-minded, but I refrain from doing so. It is after all not their fault that they live in a part of the country where, at best, they can pee in brackish water. As one moves further north and west, the sea becomes saltier, and so does the language.

But what exactly is swearing? Strong language, without a doubt. There are so many different kinds of strong expressions. Sometimes they may just be ordinary, everyday words, but pronounced with such intensity and sincerity that they are perceived as swearing just because of that. Then we have the religious curse words. These usually include both what is in the Bible and what is not. Both the devil and hell are popular themes around which strong expressions are centered. Sexual themes are also popular. In fact, I feel I sense that these are on the rise at the expense of the religious curse words. Personally, I think this is positive, because swear words are generally formed from things we think about. And thinking more about life than death, well, that is good. Because sexuality definitely belongs to life, even though it is precisely sexuality that makes death necessary. But that is a completely different discussion. Devils and their dwellings, on the other hand, belong to death. But even here there is a contradiction. When hell is mentioned, we often imagine a dark, underground place with glowing coals and other torments. But another name for the devil is Lucifer – the bearer of light. And hell, that means the place of light. One might then wonder about these 'mediums' who appear on TV and are supposed to help troubled souls to the other side. They encourage people to 'go towards the light.' But where are they really sending the poor souls?

But now I'm getting sidetracked. Back to swearing. In addition to the fact that swear words are of different kinds, they are used in different ways. They can be used in everyday conversation, often with a humorous touch. They are also a tool you can use when you want to be a bit ironic. Irony is, after all, a highly valued art in Northern Norway. Unfortunately, this irony is not always understood in the southeastern regions. Then there are the genuine, spontaneous outbursts with emotion and real immersion that happen when things suddenly and unexpectedly go wrong. For example, when the nail cowardly bends away so that the hammer hits the thumb with great force and determination. Then some juicy, heartfelt curses, spoken with emphasis and flair, are appropriate. These can, for instance, prevent frustration-driven throwing of hammers, which can easily lead to further injuries. Spontaneous outbursts can also occur as a 'the cup is full' effect after prolonged unresolved frustration. Swearing can also be used to irritate or provoke those around you.Just as teenagers try out swear words at home to explore their boundaries. Swear words used purely for provocation are especially common in comment sections.

Although I am of the opinion that one should limit the use of strong language, especially in polite company, I am of the view that it is a valuable part of the language. Some claim that those who swear have a limited vocabulary. For some, this may certainly be true, although I am far from sure whether there is any correlation between these two things. For others, it is not true at all. There are masters of the art of swearing who can go on for half an hour without a single repetition. Unfortunately, swearing in English-language films is a shaky matter. Mostly, there are two words that recur: 'bloody' and 'fuck.' Nor does hip-hop culture impress. Of course, it is both provocative and offensive to be accused of—or encouraged to—have intercourse with one's own mother, but honestly, when the same word appears every other second, it is reasonable to suspect the 'poets' of having a very limited vocabulary.

Just as there are differences in how swearing is delivered, there are also differences in how it is perceived. For those who do not understand or cannot share the emotional expression that genuine thumb-slap exclamations convey, or do not understand the humor in a story sprinkled with juicy exaggerations and reinforcing auxiliary words, it will likely seem flat and unnecessary. Therefore, great demands are placed on the storyteller to adapt their choice of words to both the audience and the occasion. As Krestjan the first mate said to the pastor when he was reprimanded for 'banding and rotten speech': «De kan nok gå an for Jær, Prost, for om I står på stolen å om kjeften forskjær sæ for Jær, så kan I slå en kremt i han, å så kan I ta Jær att igjen. Det bi’kje sålessen før mæ, nei. Når æ skal løp galleasen i hamn me høgrokke plystre i vevlingan, då bi de kje før mæ å slå nokka kremt i’an.»  (sitat fra Vett og Uvett av Einar K. Aas og Peter Wessel Zapffe)

When it comes to swearing on TV, it is indeed difficult to control who sees and hears it. In such cases, it's more about adjusting the language to the situation. Take, for example, Oluf Rallkattli (Arthur Arntzen, a master of humor). He uses a lot of forceful expressions, but little or no swear words. There are also requirements for the audience. The easily offended should probably seek another type of entertainment. Surely there are those who find it directly unpleasant to listen to. I feel the same way about some TV programs. There is a simple cure for this: just don’t watch or listen. But it is also permissible to have an opinion on the matter and express it, for example in a comment section. Then I think that such opinions should also be met with respect. There is no need for name-calling and characterizing opponents. You can disagree without degrading the other party. Bold expressions are allowed to everyone, as stated in the Constitution §100 (it's not exactly what it says, but it's close enough). It should also have stated that humorous expressions are all permitted (including some strong language).