Addicted to YA discussion
Debates
>
Bad Language In Books...
Heyy :)
Bad language in books doesn't put me off, but I think it could be avoided. Most of the time it is necessary like just a reaction to the situation that the character's are in. So I don't mind if the language is necessary, but if it is continuously unnecessary I get a bit annoyed :)
Bad language in books doesn't put me off, but I think it could be avoided. Most of the time it is necessary like just a reaction to the situation that the character's are in. So I don't mind if the language is necessary, but if it is continuously unnecessary I get a bit annoyed :)
If it's a fictional story set in the real world i.e. The Mortal Instruments then it's completely plausable that the characters would swear. Someone that is about to be attacked by a monster isn't going to yell 'Oh fiddlesticks!'Something set in the future or a sci-fi universe could easily have alternatives for words like Battlestar Gallactica with the whole 'Frak' thing.
I think it depends on the context of the story.
They don't bother me, and I find I tend to just skip over them in my head without really realizing it, although I recognize that they're there. But really, I think it shows that the author has poor writing skills. I mean, okay, I understand if the author is trying to portray a certain type of personality on a character, maybe contrast them with a "goody goody" kind of characters, or maybe the swear word is in a legitimate, "there is not really anything that encompasses the emotion I'm trying to portray here" spot. I sympathize with those scenarios, and I'm okay with that. But when authors just throw them in there for no reason, maybe cause they want to "appeal" to a young adult audience, I find it makes it looks like they're just barely managing to write. Like they're struggling to think of a logical response to a scenario or a reasonable way to write the specific scene, so they just throw in a "f*** you" or a "s**t" to "add" to the scene. That, to me, shows poor writing skills and significantly lowers the book in my opinion.
There's my two cents! :)
There's my two cents! :)
I really don't mind it, but I don't agree with the less appropriate ones (like s*** and f***) being dropped every other page. I agree that they are not necessary and show a lack of vocabulary on the author's part. I also worry about younger audiences picking up books with a bunch of f-bombs being dropped and they may think it's ok to use that type of language in normal context. But judging by the next generation of kids and the kinds of shows they watch and the kind of games they play, that might be unfortunately where our society is headed
Does not bother me anymore. Got used to it.
I use to feel awkward earlier. But now it doesn't matter much. As everyone else I got use to it.
I don't really care. And I've never come across a book where they swear non-stop or anything even remotely close to that
It bothers me when it is excessive and unnecessary. Not because it offends me (it doesn't), but rather because it lessens the impact of the language. If you're going to swear, make it count! When there's just one or two swear words that come out in the perfect time for it, it can be a masterpiece! My favorite example of this is in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows when Mrs. Weasley yells "Not my daughter, you bitch!" (side note: someone please show me how to hide spoilers). That has got to be one of the best lines in history!!! And why?? Because it was UNEXPECTED. If the book was filled with swear words (aside from being inappropriate for children's literature) it would not have had the same impact. So, yes, swearing is okay when it's VERY sparse and only in the perfect scenario for it.
Maddie wrote: "Heyy :)Bad language in books doesn't put me off, but I think it could be avoided. Most of the time it is necessary like just a reaction to the situation that the character's are in. So I don't min..."
Thanks for your comment, Maddie. I agree with you, I get annoyed with it when it is overly used in a book. But if it is once in a while, I think it can be okay.
S.L.J. wrote: "If it's a fictional story set in the real world i.e. The Mortal Instruments then it's completely plausable that the characters would swear. Someone that is about to be attacked by a monster isn't g..."Thanks for your comment, S.L.J. I like how you mentioned that if it goes with the story, then it is plausible for the characters to use that kind of language.
Lia wrote: "They don't bother me, and I find I tend to just skip over them in my head without really realizing it, although I recognize that they're there. But really, I think it shows that the author has poor..."Thanks for your comment, Lia. I appreciate your input and like that you voiced your opinion. Everyone's opinions are welcome, I really like hearing from everyone. And I like that you mentioned how you think it is poor writing skills. That gives authors out there something to think about.
Yes, the truth is, teens swear nowadays, and some think it is cool, and some authors add it just to appeal to the younger crowd...but I would never do it for that reason. If I added a curse word in a book, it would have to be only like a few cuss words in the entire book, it would have to be absolutely necessary for the character to use it, and it would have to not be one of the very foul, nasty words...we all know which ones those are...
Stormy wrote: "I really don't mind it, but I don't agree with the less appropriate ones (like s*** and f***) being dropped every other page. I agree that they are not necessary and show a lack of vocabulary on th..."That is very true, Stormy. I don't know where our society is heading, but I can get a good idea...and I have thought of the same thing...what if bad language in a book influences kids to talk like that even more? But then again, kids nowadays already talk like that, well, most of them anyways...they get influenced at school and with movies and music...
Veronica wrote: "Does not bother me anymore. Got used to it."I have grown used to it to an extent as well, Veronica. I used to hear it all of the time around my peers when I attended High School.
Simmaron wrote: "I use to feel awkward earlier. But now it doesn't matter much. As everyone else I got use to it."Same here, Simmaron. I am quite used to it now, but I still get uncomfortable with the really, really nasty words.
Thanks for the comment.
I don't mind them. I guess you get used to it then again im known for having a bit of a bad mouth :PI mean in young adult books its going to happen really in a highschool setting kind of book most teens these days do cuss. In the whole syfy kinda theme they could alternate the words indeed.
Salome wrote: "It bothers me when it is excessive and unnecessary. Not because it offends me (it doesn't), but rather because it lessens the impact of the language. If you're going to swear, make it count! Whe..."Thanks for your comment, Salome. I really that you mentioned the element in surprise in books when it comes to bad language.
I agree with you on this, bad language is okay when used correctly. I like surprises in books too, the unexpected is always nice. c:
I have never really been bothered by "bad language" in YA books. I think mostly because in real life people swear a lot. If I had a dime every time someone swore in my school in a span of a few minutes, I would be rich. Whenever I read a book where teenagers don't swear it makes the book seem far-fetched and unrealistic. Maybe that's just me but....
Kelly, sadly, I agree with your assessment, and I suspect that a lot of writers are doing it for that very reason. I know one of the books I recently published, early draft there was very little language, only added for shock. My beta readers pointed out that very few early 20's folks (the age of my main characters) talked like that in casual conversation, and as a lot of the book was internal dialogue, it felt even more stilted... increased my word count by nearly 15,000 adding all those superfluous cuss words... and it was the hardest writing I had ever done! Really tricky for one who was raised not to cuss, and whose internal dialogue often consists of 'fiddlesticks' ;)
If it's a book with modern teens, then a little swearing is necessary since most young adults swear. Doing it all the time or for no reason is a bit annoying to me, though.
I'm writing a book as well. I had to try and find the perfect balance of swearing too. As to not use too much or too little to make it believable.I do sometimes think it can get a little excessive (or a lot like in the House of Night series).
But, you know what's kind of funny?
A huge percentage of the people I've met who seem so "anti swearing" when with family or family friends, are usually the people who swear the most with their friends.
Kelly wrote: "I'm writing a book as well. I had to try and find the perfect balance of swearing too. As to not use too much or too little to make it believable.I do sometimes think it can get a little excessi..."
Thanks for your comments, Kelly. I do agree with you that some people will seem one way with their family, and then another with their friends...When I was a teenager in High School, that's how I was.
Congrats on writing a book, I am writing one as well. I hope I can find the right balance of swearing in my book too. Good luck with your book, Kelly and thanks for participating in this discussion.
Kirstyn wrote: "If it's a book with modern teens, then a little swearing is necessary since most young adults swear. Doing it all the time or for no reason is a bit annoying to me, though."I agree with you 100%, Kirstyn. I know I would get annoyed with cussing throughout a whole book, like on every single page...that's a little too much for my taste.
Thanks for the comment.
I don't mind the bad language in books. I know it's inappropriate but sometimes it defines the character or maybe the reaction of that character. Too much cuss words annoyed me like almost every sentence.As much as possible, less bad words are better. Particularly in YA. It kinda influences them to talk bad. Nowadays, bad words are inevitable. Couldn't blame them.
Beatrice wrote: "I don't mind the bad language in books. I know it's inappropriate but sometimes it defines the character or maybe the reaction of that character. Too much cuss words annoyed me like almost every se..."Thanks for your comment, Beatrice. I agree with you. I think too many cuss words are annoying. And it does influence them to a point. I have often wondered about that too...how influential is stuff like that to younger ones? And it is inevitable...bad language is everywhere; in stores, in schools...so I guess we can't blame inanimate objects too much for influencing kids nowadays. c:
Bad language doesn't bother me because let's face it, lots of teens use it in real life. I now I did. Of course I'm always surprised at the first F*** of the book but after the first one I get used to it. I guess the F bomb is the worst of the curse words so I do get surprised when I read it the first time. The other words don't surprise me at all. Sometimes when events in a book happen it can be expected for curse words to be used.
Joanne♥~Bookworm Extraordinaire wrote: "Bad language doesn't bother me because let's face it, lots of teens use it in real life. I now I did. Of course I'm always surprised at the first F*** of the book but after the first one I get used..."Thanks for your comment, Joanne. I appreciate your input on this. Most every one so far says that bad language can be expected in teen books. I agree, it is common and expected. If the occasion calls for it, I feel like it would be missing something to leave out the bad language....if the book needs it in a certain scene, then it shouldn't be left out.
I feel like there needs to be a balance. In certain books, where reality is portrayed, then yes, the language should echo the actual language used by teenagers to make it believable and relevant. (But without going overboard.) What I struggle with is Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Paranormal books that use the F-Bomb. It just seems to me that good writing is good writing, and doesn't need to be peppered with profanity. I like a good, "Hell or D**n, here and there. But more than that seems a bit much. Authors should inspire change, and maybe a great book without swear words would help teens realize they don't need to use those words so much.
Bad language in a book doesn't bother me...I'm 37 so I guess I should say that I'm not bothered about my son or nieces reading bad language. If the language is constant, like part of a character's general speech, it would bother me. When I read a book and the character speaks with an accent and I read that book with the accent in mind, it sometimes translates into my own speech. So, if a character speaks using the 'F' word in every sentence and they're a main character, that would translate into my own words and that I'm not comfortable reading.
M. wrote: "I feel like there needs to be a balance. In certain books, where reality is portrayed, then yes, the language should echo the actual language used by teenagers to make it believable and relevant. (..."Thanks for your comment, M. I really appreciate your point of view on this. Balance is always good. I agree with you on this very much so. c:
Angie (Mind Malfunction) wrote: "Bad language in a book doesn't bother me...I'm 37 so I guess I should say that I'm not bothered about my son or nieces reading bad language. If the language is constant, like part of a character..."
Thanks, Angie, for your comment. I appreciate your point of view on this as well. I agree with you when you say that the main character shouldn't be that way...overly using cuss words. There needs to be a balance in the book. Not constant, but not ever used so that it doesn't seem real. c:
For me it depends. If its used for the sake of using it or for shock value its too much. But lets face reality teenagers use profanity. A lot. They keep it from their parents and that's all fine and dandy. They are just words and its part of growing up. For those who don't use that language, they should be mature enough to read it and pass over it. If they aren't they shouldn't be reading the books that contain them yet. Reading a few "bad" words will not change a persons outlook, it will not change a persons morals and it exposes them to real like. Just my opinion but I'd rather my future kids be exposed to those things in a book rather than in real life. this goes for more than bad language.
For me bad language is fun to have once in a while and even if they are in every page because for me it adds the humor that isn't normally present. Weird but true. And the even weird thing is that I myself have never said a bad word aloud (but everyone thinks them right?)And when the guys/girls try to not use a bad word it adds to the humor which is fun for me.
I think it's great when they're used sparingly, and when a really kind of quiet, polite character suddenly bellows one, but it loses its effect when they're used on pretty much every page. It's cooler when the characters think up substitutes for bad words, like 'Kerfunk!' and 'Shiffle!'
Green Elephant Girl ™ wrote: "I think it's great when they're used sparingly, and when a really kind of quiet, polite character suddenly bellows one, but it loses its effect when they're used on pretty much every page. It's coo..."At the very least you have to have it in Young Adult books.
It makes in less believable if you don't. Especially when you replace swear words.
You walk in to high schools or colleges and all you hear is profanity.
Sad? Yes, but true.
Neha wrote: "For me bad language is fun to have once in a while and even if they are in every page because for me it adds the humor that isn't normally present. Weird but true. And the even weird thing is that ..."I agree with you. Swear words- when used correctly in novels- can add humour to the story and it also adds belief to the stories, especially if its a Young Adult book. I'm currently writing a book that has some swear words in it, but only where I believe it would be realistic to be swearing. I don't like when people swear as every other word and think it would be annoying to read that in a book. However it makes for a more believable story if the character swears when it would be "normal" for that character to. Especially if at times the swearing has a humorous context to it, I think it can be fine. Used too much and I think it can take away from the storyline. If it makes sense than fine, but if there is no need for it to be said, then I feel like it would be useless to say "This character hasn't sworn in a while" and just throwing a swear word into their dialogue randomly is not affective. There has to be a way to write it so that it is effective and makes sense for the story or character to be saying or thinking it.
Kelly wrote: "Green Elephant Girl ™ wrote: "I think it's great when they're used sparingly, and when a really kind of quiet, polite character suddenly bellows one, but it loses its effect when they're used on pr..."
I agree, it's got to be used in books with high schools and teenagers in. You're so right- there is generally a lot of bad language in those places, and it would take the realistic element out a book, really, if there wasn't any. It is annoying when it't used in YA novels just for shock value, though.
I agree, it's got to be used in books with high schools and teenagers in. You're so right- there is generally a lot of bad language in those places, and it would take the realistic element out a book, really, if there wasn't any. It is annoying when it't used in YA novels just for shock value, though.
I'm not bother it. If the book was good I'll keep reading it
I'm glad to see this discussion. As a writer, I frequently wonder about this very thing. On one hand, I want my characters to react realistically. On the other, I don't want to offend my readers, who seem to be largely YA. There are certain lines I will not cross regarding language, but still, my characters are not choir boys. I write in a genre that tends to have a little grit and sand in it. So, yeah. "fiddlesticks!" doesn't quite cut it.
So I am very interested in seeing what you all are saying about this.
I don't mind cursing if it's in a realistic situation and as long as it isn't overly done. I don't like seeing a bunch of f bombs though. For example, I won an ARC from Goodreads and was excited to get it. It was not YA, so I was hoping it was something I could pass on to my grandmother, who is also an avid reader, when I was done. I flipped through the book and I didn't really like what I saw. Quite a few f bombs, just in the part I was flipping through. I know my grandmother would not like it if I gave her a book with that language in it, and now I'm not really interested in reading the book at all. Yes, it is not YA, so maybe that makes it fine. But it's just not my thing.
I was told by my ONLY beta reader (who is a teen; she'll be 15 in June :D) that I only write vanilla, whether it be language or sex. **says the girl who cusses more than a sailor** And since my characters are always talking and doing some sort of action, it's easier to just write vanilla. But I've thrown cuss words into conversations where they were needed.
If it fits into the story it's fine. It annoys me and detracts from the story if it's constant and over the top. (I don't need to read the f word in every sentence). It doesn't bother or offend me, I think it should be a bit regulated in ya books. Maybe some sort of warning system would be appropriate!
I feel like they should have some warning, but I think if it's done well then I don't mind. I think if the situation calls for it, then it's fine!
I don't mind as long as its not sensless. If I'm reading a book, I don't want a character who cusses constantly. I feel it detracts from the story. But cussing when it fits doesn't bother me.
The f word also bothers me more than other curse words. I don't know why, but it seems more vulger. When the f bomb is dropped more times in one page than I hear in a day at a public high school, I feel like its just stuck into the book for the author's own satisfaction.
I used to be bothered by cussing (I mean everyone at a point was right?) but I got used to it. I don't mind cussing as long as it makes sense. I mean it depends on the character and the situation. If the character was supposed to be a goody goody two shoes and he/she swears then it's not something I'm going to be okay with.
Cursing doesn't bother me in a book as long as it's done realistically, mostly sparingly, and excludes the c-word.
I do not feel we will ever get a world back with civilized intelligence until we go back to basic grammar skills. Bad language is offensive to many of us and we do not want to encourage our children to use it by having them subject to it in the books they read.For those who enjoy bad language there are plenty of books with it in them. However, in the general public, those who do not mind bad language will surely not mind it being absent in the books written so the rest of us can enjoy them also.
If you can't handle "Bad" language, perhaps you should stick with children's pablum. You're not ready for "adult" anything. Maybe the problem is the YA designation itself. Maybe there needs to be a niche named "Precocious Child"...or "Non-Realistic Delusional Wannabe Adult"....or "Sneak A Peek At The Real World But Keep One Eye Closed In Case There's Something That Might Possibly Offend Me Pseudo-Adult".Okay. The acronym for that last one would be a little much. I can see that.
F-bombs won't hurt you. Moralistic snobbery will.
I don't mind cursing as long as it's don't right and the story doesn't sound like a rap song. Lol Sometimes it is necessary but then I think, will I want my daughter to read these words when she's old enough? They should mark books like cursing like they do CDs in the store: explicit material. Parents should know and be able to decide if they want their kids reading a book with bad language.
Addicted to YA
Books mentioned in this topic
Tomorrow, When the War Began (other topics)Illuminae (other topics)
Marked (other topics)
Tiger's Curse (other topics)
Marked (other topics)
I was wanting to pose a question to all concerning bad words in young adult books...
I know there are a lot of books out there with naughty words in them, but do the majority of readers mind bad words? Does it make a book more interesting? Does it throw the book off for you? Does it make the characters seem cool? Can there be a "cool" young adult book without the hardcore cuss words?
What are your opinions? Cuss words, mild once in a while cuss words, or none at all for young adult books? c: