Cursing

In my three-months living in Sevilla, Spain I have noticed that many Spaniards have a very colorful vocabulary. Upon my arrival I quickly learned that the word “joder” can be heard in conversation almost as often as the word “vale.” Not only will you hear adults using curse words, but you can often hear them come out of the mouths of children and professors in the classroom! Many Spaniards seem to lack a filter when it comes to using curse words in formal, professional or everyday contexts. 

The use of curse words is much more of a taboo in the United States. If an individual were to use a curse word as frequently as Spaniards do, that person would be seen as uneducated or vulgar because they cannot seem to find a better word to use. Moreover, if a person were to swear in a professional or formal setting they would receive an adverse reaction from others. Although not all Americans would agree that swearing is so taboo, there is often an innate desire for curse words to be censored and avoided in certain contexts. 

Although many American students are taken aback by the colorful language of the Spaniards, it is admirable that they have the freedom to say whatever they want when they want to.