Disclaimer: The following feature discusses the use of words that, to varying degrees, can be considered vulgar or offensive. It is strongly advised that, should you find such words distressing or inappropriate, you do not read on beyond this point. For the rest of you, some bad language follows…
Meanwhile Simon Donald, Viz magazine founder and author of an 8,000-word 'Profanisaurus' of rude words and phrases, believes that swearing can be inventive and vibrant if used more sparingly.
He sets an exam to test the children on their own bad language and asks them to vote. The results are a surprise for Simon – the pupils' choice of which swear words are worst reflects the changes since he was a kid: 'Cunt' is only third on a list of five, with 'Fuck' first and 'Bastard' second.
And while Simon is intrigued by offerings such as 'Cheddar Bell' and 'Your Mum', he finds his liberal attitudes under attack.
The survey also reveals that many children feel threatened and disturbed by swearing, and a majority support a swearing ban. So the school brings in 'Zero Tolerance' for foul language on school premises; anyone caught swearing will be punished, and even suspended in the worst cases.
But can the ban succeed in holding back the tide of swearing?
Related links
Take a look at the Profanisaurus on the Viz website.
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