Expletives, Epithets, Profanity and 'Rudeness'

The text explains the use of profanity as an expression of solidarity, friendliness, expression and as a means to address (Daly, Holmes, Newton, & Stubbe, 2004). This is of course meant to be used within come context. The communication methods used between close friends wouldn’t be extended onto a complete stranger, or any person not wishing it.

The text talks about the politeness theory and explains FTA (Face Threatening Act). FTAs, occur regularly in everyday interaction, and are expressed through positive (e.g., "please", need for approval) or negative (e.g., "I know this is a terrible imposition", need for privacy and distance from others, and to have their autonomy and independence respected) face needs.

Example:

I was walking out of the Wollongong mall, when I and some scraggy middle-aged man did the dance of the hallway. It was neither of our faults and when passing by I promptly apologised and smiled, and he called me a stupid B**(not nice word)**. I said nothing, and just stared at this man, who walked with a limp and a slouch, and walked away. I then made a life plan that in the future I’d like to live somewhere that doesn’t have a centrelink or people. The man attempt in a FTA, and I made use of a negative politeness strategy

Daly, N., Holmes, J., Newton, J., & Stubbe, M (2004). Expletives as solidarity signals in FTAs on the factory floor. Journal of Pragmatics 36, 945–964