We adapt our language to the present situation and the people who surround us. Obvious examples of this is the use of more informal language around friends and more formal language use at work. Language use goes further than these two binary distinctions. The way you pronounce words or choose certain phrases over others can reveal aspects of your personality, without necessarily being aware of it.
Let me explain further, do you pronounce ‘scone’ as in ‘gone’ or ‘scone’ as in ‘cone’?
Your choice of pronunciation can fairly instantly reveal if you originate from the north of England or the south. Of course, there are exceptions to this but as a general rule it tends to be accurate.
Your use of language can also indicate aspects about you such as your age. Non-standard English such as ‘cool’ or ‘sick’ to express something as being positive is predominantly used by the younger generations. I’m sure the world of slang has developed far more since I left school and current teenagers would probably think I’m out of touch, but hopefully this example at least explains my point.
Swearing also is relevant to this topic to an extent. Swearing has traditionally been associated with lower intelligence and education but it should be reasonably obvious to most that this is not an accurate link. Swearing ultimately can reveal our mood, and more specifically, the emotions we are presently feeling towards the subject of the conversation. Non-taboo words in the English language cannot fully express the strength of feeling or emotion that taboo words can. Therefore, swearing can be effective in communication.
The relationship between speakers in a conversation can also lead to subtle changes in language use. For example, the language used between a couple would differ fairly significantly from the language used in conversation between an individual and their parents.
So, next time you’re having a conversation, pay more attention to the words you’re using and see if you notice anything interesting.
Holly Royle 
I find that swearing is often really uncreative so I try to avoid it as a way of conveying feelings unless necessary. Having said that it’s no more uncreative then any other phrase or expression. I think my reluctance to do so comes may be more impcted therefore by upbringing.
LikeLike
Social attitudes and upbringing can have a huge impact on whether an individual uses swearing. Personally, I don’t find swearing offensive as I feel the offence felt is a social construct. Of course it’s not always pleasant to be sworn at directly and I don’t condone unpleasant behaviour. I find that the English language can be incredibly restrictive so any means of improving accuracy in communication is something I’m in favour of.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree that swearing isn’t inherently offensive, like anything it’s the tone and body language associated with it that would be more of a cause for concern.
I really like some of the thoroughly British alternatives if you can convey them with a lot of dramatics.
Crumbs!
What the badger!
Bother!
There’s some classics, but most of them have slipped my mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are some wonderful replacements for swear words – I do find though that none of them can replicate the emotional effect of swear words. There is something more expressive and, in some ways, primordial about swearing as though it is linked more closely to our being. It is a common occurrence that individuals who have suffered strokes struggle to speak but remain capable of swearing perfectly, therefore, it would appear that swearing is linked to a part of the brain separate from non-taboo language.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting – are these not just coincidences? It seems strange that these would end up in a different part of the brain given that what constitutes swearing is entirely down to society definitions and environment; most brain segments evolved due to evolutionary requirements.
Entirely possible though that there is some deeper emotional connection which leads to them being stored differently as is the difference between say short and long term memory.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I completely agree with that! I have come to the conclusion that the emotional attachment or feeling involved with taboo language causes it to be stored or used separately by the brain.
The brain is an enigma itself and language is such a complex thing that it is difficult to arrive at a solid conclusion.
LikeLiked by 1 person