Swearing

EUC Staff Joined: 09 Nov 2011 Posts: 1204 Location: Nirn

Now, before the mods have a fit, this thread will remain clean Wink

I just want to know what everyone thinks about swearing in Star Wars. Personally, I really don't like it. I have nothing against real life swearing (within a limit) but in Star Wars it really annoys me.

First of all, the swear words sound stupid. "Kriff" does not sound like a release of anger. I'll try to keep this thread PG-13, but when your massive document gets deleted or you get injured, dropping an f-bomb almost melts into a scream. A prolonged "eee" does not really come as easily. I'm not really sure on the levels of badness of Star Wars swear words, but "kriff" would work as a short conscious, under the breath note-to-self, not a yell of helplessness and desperation, because that's what swearing is; you don't know how to express your anger, so you swear.

Secondly, they kind of alienate of from the books. In the middle of a tense situation, and you're cycling through all the possibilities, them someone says "frizz" you think "oh... that sounds silly" and I fail to take it seriousy for a bit. But maybe that's just me.

I prefer it when they call each other kath hounds or whatever, that sounds more believable.

Also, I just feel that Star Wars isn't really the place for swearing. It just doesn't fit. It's hard to explain.

Mods, he this is a bit too strong for the forums, feel free to remove it. Or should I put it in spoiler tags with a warning?
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EUC Staff Joined: 09 Nov 2011 Posts: 1204 Location: Nirn

Yeah, I think it's better when they say "He cursed loudly", it lets you fill in the gap. I by no means think that characters should be dropping sweary-bombs all over the shop, that would make the books less accessible to younger children, and personally, would make me feel a bit uncomfortable. Star Wars has so many other ways to be edgy. They need not swear.
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There's always a bigger fish - Qui Gon Jinn.

You shall learn that history is an intricate weaving of many events. No one thing can be understood without the proper context.

The best techniques are passed on by the survivors.

Knight Joined: 18 Nov 2011 Posts: 442

Bantha Poodoo which was used in the prequels were regarded as "swear words" in the galaxy.Jabba too in Jedi said stuff deemed in anger. But you are never going to hear real swear words in SW.

I hope not anyway theres enough other literature to get all that and more.
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I said "Ah, kriff!" yesterday. Razz

Real world swear words can bother me if they're used too much. I don't mind one here or there to keep things realistic, but when you have characters saying, "I was walking down the ****ing street and this ****ing car almost ****ing hit me. Like ****! If you're going to drive a ****ing car, at least know how to ****ing drive!", it's just stupid and unnecessary.

That said, I have no problem with fake swear words as they are empty words.

As for 'kriff' not sounding strong enough, there are plenty of others that do sound strong. 'Kark' for example.
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EUC Staff Joined: 09 Nov 2011 Posts: 1204 Location: Nirn

I've always preferred 'Sithspit'. It works really well for me. I just wish that SW had an equivalent to 'OMG'.
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EUC Staff Joined: 09 Nov 2011 Posts: 1204 Location: Nirn

Life, that's what I think. They even use sayings stemmed from real world events, so it seems weird that they don't use real swear words, but it doesn't mean Luke should have a sweary pie when he gets his hand cut off.
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There's always a bigger fish - Qui Gon Jinn.

You shall learn that history is an intricate weaving of many events. No one thing can be understood without the proper context.

The best techniques are passed on by the survivors.

Master Joined: 15 Apr 2008 Posts: 4416 Location: Korriban

The imaginary swear words honestly make more sense than any other than d*** and hell. In a different location different forms of harsh language would evolve.
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EUC Staff Joined: 09 Nov 2011 Posts: 1204 Location: Nirn