Urbis Think Tank
Is the ‘F’ word now de rigueur?
The Australian vocabulary is widely considered one of the most laid back in the English speaking world. The national enthusiasm for swearing is epitomized in the virtual adoption of “bloody” as ‘the Australian adjective’. But what about ‘coarser’ types of words?
In a landmark study for the ABC the Urbis Social Policy research team explored public attitudes to coarse language in the media with particular emphasis on television, radio and the internet.
Designed to help shape the national broadcaster’s new ethical code toward coarse language, the Urbis study surveyed over 2,200 people to understand if and when coarse language was appropriate in the media – and attitudes towards particular phrases.
The research revealed considerable differences in attitudes towards the acceptable use of coarse language in the media according to the demographic factors of age, parental status, gender, educational attainment and respondent’s level of media consumption. In general older respondents and parents had more conservative views towards the use of coarse language in the media.
Across the survey the types of words considered to be least acceptable are those intended to insult, offend and denigrate people, particularly those with a disability, or discriminate on the basis of their race, religion or sexual preference. A good example of this is the language used by Gordon Ramsay in his television program Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, where his language and body language appeared to denigrate and belittle people.
Coarse words considered to be the most acceptable are those that relate to anatomy, bodily functions and sexual acts. A key finding from the study was that the context of coarse language usage was important – in particular intent, tone and delivery. In this regard coarse language considered the most acceptable are words said accidently or in frustration, said in a joking or humorous manner, said in defence, or used to give emphasis or as an exclamation.
The type of media program genre in which coarse language occurs was also an important contextual consideration for many respondents. For instance coarse language was considered more acceptable in television drama like for example Underbelly when it contributes to the story line or helps establish a particular character, and in comedy when used to increase the humour and entertainment value.
Conversely, coarse language was considered less acceptable in news programs and other broadcasts where children may be watching or listening. Indeed throughout the research, children were consistently identified as a group particularly in need of protection from coarse language in the media. This was particularly so when in the car listening to the radio, where parents received no advanced warning of the use of coarse language.
The research found that while there is some general level of concern for the use of coarse language in the media there was not a clear consensus on the specific type of coarse language people find offensive. Definitions of coarse language are largely subjective, and what is considered to be coarse by one person may not be so by another.
The full report can be accessed on the ABC website