Constant swearing at work

Grasshopper359 · 03-03-2007, 11:12 PM

I curse fluently. In both official languages. And in Joual (Canadian French dialect) as well. Or, I used to. But then, I found that the usual words didn't adequately express my exasperation in most cases, because they were too common. So I made up my own curse words.

"Stupid, dingleflooping, piece of naryandering tapomish! Stoggin' stogger's stogged! Stog!"

**Athanasius** · 03-06-2007, 08:38 PM

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

matthew2000tx · 03-16-2007, 04:04 PM

People swear alot. When I became a christian I was working as a construction crew member, yeah there was tons to swearing, and negative talk about women. I ended up quitting b/c I knew I didn't need to be around that while I was growing in the Lord. About a year later I went back to the construction job and prayer for chances for me to reach those people with Christ. And many times I did get to share with them! Just look at the person not their sin.

guitarguy90 · 06-21-2007, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athanasius

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Bad philosophy, man. Bad philosophy.

Edit: Oops, didn't realize this was an older thread. Sorry.

Jenacen · 06-21-2007, 09:06 PM

I know how you feel. What drives me crazy is how they just drop the F-bomb like it's nothing.

How do I handle it? Well, I ignore it, but I keep a window in my mind open to find an opportunity to witness to the person in hopes of changing them around. I'll also maybe say a prayer for them and their soul (I don't know for sure whether or not they're saved, but it's certainly not the first impression I get a lot of times).

What I think might help a little is to act like you didn't even hear them swear. I notice that when one guy at work will start cussing, the others will join in. At that point, just stand apart from the crowd and refuse to indulge them.

Oh, and whatever you do, don't join 'em. As a matter of fact, take it a step further and show that you have control over your attitude and temper (which is sometimes the context for bad language). If you moderate the behaviors you exhibit, you will show that you are set apart. You may get teased, but I believe that deep down they'll be wishing they were more like you.

Quote:

I have had several jobs where I've helped turn around the language problem. I usually come in the "back door" with it, and use a little humor. I use a technique similar to what Jason used, keeping it light - like repeating what they said, using a softer word. They aren't sure if I'm joking or not. At first, people just get self-conscious around me and soften their language when I'm around, but then, gradually, the tone starts to change for the better.

Reminds me of one time when I badly bruised my arm, a classmate said to me, "Man, you really got f-ed up!" I responded, "Yeah, I also hurt myself."

two+two=FIVE!!! · 06-21-2007, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenacen

Reminds me of one time when I badly bruised my arm, a classmate said to me, "Man, you really got f-ed up!" I responded, "Yeah, I also hurt myself."

Haha, that's a really good idea, I'm going to have to give it a try...

TunerSteve · 08-02-2007, 08:51 PM

Swearing in the workplace, or public for that matter, seems to be the norm, but that doesn't mean you have to accept it. As many have responded, view this as a mission field, and ask God to give you the appropriate response.

When I encounter newer employees that exhibit this language, I never respond in kind, and slowly they begin to soften thier language around me, and sometimes it stops completely! Humor can often be used, to point out unacceptable language in a loving way. One co-worker used to use the name Jesus, as an exclamitory curse, and I would often exclaim right back.."Where! I heard He was coming back...?!

Another co-worker, that I knew was a newer Christian, would sometimes backslide and use foul language around the "bad boys" of the plant. When I would hear him use some of those words, I would ask him if that was the same mouth he used when he prayed to God. A bit harsh perhaps, but effective.

Bless you for wanting to change this issue in your workplace, more should care enough to try to change thier surroundings. If we all clean up our corner of the world....imagine what could happen!

rock_show_host · 08-02-2007, 09:55 PM

As a bunch of people have already said, it's simply something you're going to have to get accustomed to. If simply hearing profanity affects your ability to function, there's a whole list of places you're going to have to start avoiding, because in most situations you can't ask or expect for people to stop out of courtesy. It's not really realistic to walk into a restaurant or store and politely ask everyone around you to keep their language G-rated.

Miscellaneous · 08-23-2007, 05:20 PM

Try being a Marine, haha.

It's way worse on the enlisted side, too.

peter600 · 09-09-2007, 04:49 AM

hey my youth leader actually talked about this a few days ago and was saying how sometimes we just let it slide. Really i think its one of those things you partly have to learn to live with. You should always be nice but try asking them to stop at let them know your christian etc.
One really good story i heard once was how a work guy was new to his job and alot of the other people in his job would often say "Jesus Christ" in vain. anyway he was wondering what to do about it because it really annoyed him. anyway one day as one of his work mates said it he said "oh great so your a Christian to" the guy kinda looked confused and said no in not.. anyway the new guy said he was and would prefer it if the guy didn't use that sort of language.. apparently it never happened again.

Hope it helps, there are some cases you can try and help your friends but like its been said sometimes you just have to leave it.