Page 1 of 1

'Scum'

Posted: 03 Dec 2023, 19:09
by Claudia Angelucci
I am currently reviewing a book and haven't come across any profanity. However, I'm not entirely certain. Is the expression 'miserable scum' considered profanity? I don't believe it is, but I would like to double-check. :eusa-think:

Re: 'Scum'

Posted: 05 Dec 2023, 09:59
by Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis
In my opinion, and I'm not an expert, I don't think that "scum" is profanity, but then I don't believe that "crap" is profanity, either.

Re: 'Scum'

Posted: 05 Dec 2023, 10:36
by Claudia Angelucci
Thanks! I opted for no profanity, and it looks like 'scam' is not considered a profane word. Thank you!

Re: 'Scum'

Posted: 09 Dec 2023, 18:47
by Claudia Angelucci
Sorry, I have another question! What about the word 'screw,' for example, in the phrase 'I screwed up' or 'screw you'? Is it considered profane?

Re: 'Scum'

Posted: 10 Dec 2023, 16:42
by Risper Ouma Anyango
Hi, there is a profanity list guide provided in the site. Let me send it to you and you have a sneak peak, hope it helps.
viewtopic.php?f=132&t=226478

Re: 'Scum'

Posted: 10 Dec 2023, 18:01
by Claudia Angelucci
Risper Ouma Lisa Anyango wrote: 10 Dec 2023, 16:42 Hi, there is a profanity list guide provided in the site. Let me send it to you and you have a sneak peak, hope it helps.
viewtopic.php?f=132&t=226478
Thank you very much. Yes, the phrase 'screwed up' is not a profane expression; I would have categorized it as minor borderline profanity, especially if it says: 'screw you.' There is no mention of the word 'scam.' I can see that I can send an email and ask as well. Thank you!

Re: 'Scum'

Posted: 27 Dec 2023, 10:02
by Ceildric
Claudia Angelucci wrote: 09 Dec 2023, 18:47 Sorry, I have another question! What about the word 'screw,' for example, in the phrase 'I screwed up' or 'screw you'? Is it considered profane?
It seems to me that this would be one of those cases where it could be either depending on the context. "I screwed up," merely means, "I made a mistake," while, "screw you," is a borderline curse. The latter is a curse (in my opinion) both because of its intention (wishing misfortune on someone, the original intent of cursing) and because the word "screw" in that phrase takes the place of harsher curse words.

"Screw" can also show up in contexts meaning a sex act, and again takes the place there of other curse words typically thought of as clearly profanity. So again, I would say it is at least borderline in that situation as well.

Re: 'Scum'

Posted: 27 Dec 2023, 17:45
by Claudia Angelucci
Ceildric wrote: 27 Dec 2023, 10:02
Claudia Angelucci wrote: 09 Dec 2023, 18:47 Sorry, I have another question! What about the word 'screw,' for example, in the phrase 'I screwed up' or 'screw you'? Is it considered profane?
It seems to me that this would be one of those cases where it could be either depending on the context. "I screwed up," merely means, "I made a mistake," while, "screw you," is a borderline curse. The latter is a curse (in my opinion) both because of its intention (wishing misfortune on someone, the original intent of cursing) and because the word "screw" in that phrase takes the place of harsher curse words.

"Screw" can also show up in contexts meaning a sex act, and again takes the place there of other curse words typically thought of as clearly profanity. So again, I would say it is at least borderline in that situation as well.
Thank you very much! I agree; it depends on the context. I wouldn't label "screw up" as profanity if the context is "screw up" in the sense of making a mistake. However, I would consider it profanity if it's used as "screw you" or involves a sexual connotation.