Why I Don't Use Profanity in My Writing

In this blog post, I will be going over my view on a controversial topic among some writers--the use of profanity, or crude language, in writing.

However, before I begin, I just want to clarify that this blog post covers my views only. I will not be speaking for every writer out there. And this blog post is clearly written without anyone in mind, and it is by no means an attack on those who do use profanity in their writing. I just thought it would be fun and thought-provoking to write a blog post on my views on this subject (and I love writing about controversial topics, haha).

With that said, let’s jump in!

Usage of profanity in writing eliminates a potential younger or sensitive audience.

I write young adult fiction, but I’d like my books to be acceptable to middle-grade readers as well. I certainly don’t want a book to be knocked off a middle-grade reader or early teen’s reading list because it contains vulgar language. Especially for readers who want clean fiction (which unfortunately is getting harder and harder to find nowadays), my book if it contained vulgarity would possibly not be accepted or read by them.

Profanity isn’t glorifying to God.

Yes, the Bible does speak about the usage of vulgar language. Not only does it speak toward profanity, but also about wishing ill about another person or spreading lies about them. Colossians 3:8 states, “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

To me, writing is a way of processing my emotions. Who I am shines through my writing. Sometimes the written word lives on longer than spoken ones do, and it’s important to see the effects of usage of profanity in my writing.

Besides, profanity is often written and said out of rage or anger, which is clearly not out of godly character. Reading usage of profanity pollutes minds, however small it and insignificant it seems.

I’ve seen plenty of proof of this—after reading a novel with the usage of profanity, the next instant something frustrates me, the word instinctively leaps to my mind. God clearly tells us in Philippians 4:8: “finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Profanity potentially makes readers uncomfortable.

Though not directed at me, I’ve found too often that seeing vulgar language in a book makes me squirm inwardly. Too many swear words, and I’m in danger of putting that book down for good.

Okay, maybe I’ve overreacted. But the point is clear—there’s something about profanity that makes (most) readers squirm. Maybe it’s the instinct that God has placed in us.

There are other ways to display anger in a character.

I’ve heard that usage of profanity is a good way to bring a piece of the real world into novels. After all, in real life, people swear, right?

As a writer of contemporary and realistic fiction, I understand that. However, there are other ways to display anger in a character that delves deeper into their inner conflict and their personalities that, in some cases, give the reader a better feel of the character.

Trust me—I’ve had characters who definitely seem the type to use vulgar language. But they never do.

At least, not in the written word.

Instead, I describe what they look like when they’re angry—clenched fists, crossed arms, pursed lips. I describe the tone of their voices. I describe the bitterness and hurt from their past experiences.

If it’s ever necessary that my characters curse, I only write “she cursed” and describe the other characters’ reactions. That gives the depiction of it without making the reader feel uncomfortable. Jennifer A. Nielsen in her book Resistance does a great job of this, and that’s partly why I love her historical fiction books so much (I haven’t read her fantasy series yet). They’re written for the young adult audience—but they’re clean, which makes them appealing to even younger readers.

However, I do want to acknowledge that this is your personal choice. If you are a writer and include profanity in your writing, there’s no judging here. :) It all comes down to your personal convictions.

Whether we share a view or not, I’d love to hear from you on your views on this matter in the comments! :)