Use Polite Forms of Bad English Words 丁寧な形の悪い英単語

 In a previous post I explained why English students shouldn't use the phrase, "Oh, my God!". Many students are interested in bad words in English, also known as dirty words, swear words, or vulgar words. You hear them all the time in movies and music and your native speaker friends use them all the time.

However, I always advise students not to use them. It can sound strange or offensive to native speakers. In daily conversation, these words are very strong, and native speakers often hesitate to use them in public or around children. But there are more polite versions of these words that sound softer and native speakers often use them. These are safe for students, too.

Do not say                             Safe in public                            Example

God                                         goodness/gosh                           "Oh, my goodness/gosh"

shit                                           shoot                                         "Oh, shoot!"

damn                                        darn/dang                                  "Darn it/Dang it!"

fuck                                           fudge/freak                                "Oh, fudge!"

Keep in mind, these forms are softer, but still a little strong. If you are not sure, don't use them at all.

Good luck.

Jason

Don't Say, "Oh, My God!" オーマイガーとか オーマイゴッドとか言わないでください

In recent years, using the phrase, "Oh, my God!" or the Japanese equivelent, オーマイガー or オーマイゴッド has become popular, even trendy in Japan, even among little kids. This phrase is often heard in English movies and media and is often used by native speakers. 

These days, Japanese comedians or celebrities often use it on TV. Japanese people may think it makes them sound cool. However, I always advise my Japanese students not to use it.

This is because the word "God" is actually quite strong and may offend some people. In America, many people are Christians and devout Christians believe it wrong or bad to use this word outside a religious context. 

In the bible, there is a list of ten rules or The Ten Commandments that Christians try to follow. Number 3 is "You shall not take the name of the Lord, our God in vain." Even so, many people, even Christians might use it in a casual way.

Saying "God" is considered a bad word, swear word, vulgar word if used casually. People (mostly men) might say it to themselves. If I drop a plate or stub my toe, I might say, "God damn it!" to myself. Men also often use it with other men or close friends. However, even native speakers would hesitate to use it in public with strangers or if children are nearby.

In general, I always advise my students not to use bad English words or slang. If English students use them, it can sound strange or even offensive to native speakers. You will give the wrong impression and sound rude or uneducated. 

Instead of "Oh, my God!", use a more polite alternative like:

"Oh, my gosh."

"Oh, my goodness." or simply,

"Oh, my!" to express surprise. Using these might actually make you sound more natural. 

Good luck!

Jason