“What the Fel is this?!” – Foul Language in RP

The Hozen, here at the writing room, have slacked off this week, and now we, the team, have been forced to juggle all their bananas! This week’s post is just a short one but, as always, we’re eager to hear your thoughts on the topics at hand.

Some time ago, I encountered a strange phenomenon: a drastic increase in the amount of foul language used within roleplay. I didn’t have time to do a poll, but it’d be curious to know how many of the curse words reported were ‘F’s and ‘B’s. These swear words, as well as many others, are thrown around frequently and generally found everywhere. Today, I will share my thoughts on the matter.

I’ll start by saying that I think it’s okay to use these words every once in a while. “Fuck” here, “Bitch” there: it’s all fair game. ‘Bad words’ are part of our language and are often a big help in expressing intense emotions ranging from anger to joy, sadness to desperation.

We even see it ingame:

“Watch your clever mouth, b****!”

Garrosh Hellscream to Sylvanas Windrunner

“Young Hellscream knows when to say the right thing…”

Even the (somewhat maddened) Warchief of the (…Iron?) Horde agrees. It’s okay to use foul language. I support using foul language. I like to think I’ve said it enough that you get the point. Really.

HOWEVER!

As it stands now? I find it quite unbearable. The amount of roleplayers who think foul language will help promoting their character’s ‘edgy’ or ‘gritty’ side is, simply to say, over the top. A large amount of conversations I observe around Stormwind are filled to the brim with all the swear words under the sun.

I’d argue that there are better ways to show off a character’s darker side. If using foul language is critical for your character, then that’s fine but it is worth remembering that swear words are all about adding emphasis. They exaggerate or are used to express extreme emotions or feelings. Use it at the right time, when these words will impact the greatest. Using swear words randomly seems to take away the impact that they have.

Another option is to use foul language that is seemingly more appropriate for the setting in World of Warcraft. In Stormwind, and to some extent Orgrimmar, words like: “Wench”, “Harlot”, “Bastard”, “Knave”, “Wretch” fit well.

And, of course, who could forget the usage of the word “Fel.”

For me, I’m able to immerse in my character’s world when I see players using the words appropriate to the setting rather than the flurry of modern day swear words.

To conclude, I think foul language in roleplay is great. It has a place in our lexicon. It -deserves- a place in our lexicon because it’s necessary. It becomes less necessary when it’s flung around for no clear reason. Use these powerful words when the time is right. Want to look bad-ass? Maybe you should express it with actions, outfits or just great storytelling!

Hey Satyr! Thought I might jump in here and add a few of my thoughts. Whenever I’m roleplaying in Stormwind, someone will yell something along the lines of:

“Oi! I’ll get you f***er!”

Or…

“S***, b******, c***!”

But rarely are these words used to express any real threat. They seem to be yelled between friends. These curse words have become so relaxed that they cease to drive an extra punch into what’s being said. I think it is juvenile to think that a character would scream and yell these words into the streets of Stormwind. Maybe if they were really furious… but I’ve noticed that in the real world? Some of us have a bit of class.

But maybe, with that in mind, it depends on who is swearing? Surely it would be right for a commoner or a thug to drop a swear word more than a well-spoken, goody-two-shoes Lord? Do Night Elves swear? What about Gnomes?

I’d like to see swear words that reflect a race. “Confunderduddy gigaflux!” (could definitely be the Gnomish equivalent to f**k!)

Honestly, the two of you should come to Silvermoon! The area is so peaceful. It’s free of swearing, screaming and yelling (I’m definitely not spouting propaganda.)

The Sin’dorei are often quite reserved when letting forth our emotions in the form of curse words and we usually rely on ‘Fel’ or ‘Belore’ as terms for when we are sad, shocked or angry.

…I guess the only time you’ll see swearing is when an Orc strolls into town. Maybe.

What are your thoughts on swearing in roleplay? Submit your ideas below for race-specific swear words. Who knows, the best one might even get showcased!