Abusive Language in our Writing

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (Ephesians 4:29 NLT).

Last month, this verse prompted me to write a miniseries on graphic description and abusive language in Writing Against the Grain. Today, let’s discuss the popular belief that we must use foul language to sell books because, “That’s what the public wants.”

“It’s how people talk.”

Sometimes it’s better not to give the public what they want.

If we hope to make the world a better place, we can’t keep doing what we’ve done in the past. We must raise our standards, and the expectations of our readers. Filling our lives and manuscripts with four-letter words is not the way to do it. Omitting forces us to become better communicators.

Could this cost us sales? Yes. But if sales are our greatest motivation, then we’re probably writing for the wrong reason. Few write well when money is their main consideration. And fewer get rich from it.

Are we writing for fame?

Are we writing for fame? Authors do have followers. Their adoration feeds our egos. And that feels good. They follow us because they love our stories or envy the carefree life they believe we live. But fame is fleeting unless we can give our devotees something substantial—something meaningful. Consistently.

What about conflict? A good story must have conflict. I understand the ideal world will not exist until Jesus returns. So until that happens, there will always be competition for what seems to be limited resources. There will always be selfishness. There will always be those who use fear and bullying to get what they want.

I realize that the “bad guys” use expletives and base language to express themselves and intimidate others. However, let’s remember some of the most intimidating lines in stories are delivered without profanity or rage. Here are some samples from film:

• “It’s a flesh wound. But if you don’t get me what I need, the last thing you’ll see before I make your children orphans is the bullet I put between her eyes.” (Spoken by Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills, after shooting Jean Claude’s wife in the arm — Taken)

• “There are two types of people in the world – those with a gun, and those who dig. Now dig!” (Clint Eastwood as Blondie— The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly)

• “I know what you’re thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself a question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?” (Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry — Dirty Harry)

• “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” (Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone — The Godfather)

• “None of you seem to understand. I’m not locked up in here with you. You’re locked up in here with me.” (Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach — Watchmen)

• “Forgiveness is between them and God. It’s my job to arrange the meeting.” (Denzel Washington as John W. Creasy — Man on Fire

We can find words that work without
the use of obscene language.

These lines were very effective as intimidation tools and they don’t include vulgarity. There are many more examples of inducing fear without the use of obscene language.

Some of the most intimidating words I’ve heard in a movie came from Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs. Hannibal was an imprisoned, cannibalistic serial killer. The following lines were delivered by Sir Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter in a calm, soft voice when talking to FBI agent Clarice Starling.

• “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.”

• “I do wish we could chat longer, but... I'm having an old friend for dinner. Bye.” (Ending a phone conversation)

• “Yes or no, Clarice? Poor little Catherine is waiting.” (Catherine Martin is the kidnapped daughter of U.S. Senator Ruth )

And if these aren’t chilling enough for you, how about what he said in conversation with Senator Martin:

• “Amputate a man's leg and he can still feel it tickling. Tell me, Mum, when your little girl is on the slab, where will it tickle you?”

Everyone I know who’s seen Silence of the Lambs agrees this story is horrifying. The main reason being the soft-spoken forensic psychiatrist who enjoyed killing and eating people.

When I first submitted myself to God, I was a young man who cussed like a sailor. I expressed myself through profanity because I had no interest learning a less-offensive way to relate my feelings. So I know desire for graphic violence, explicit sex, and foul language comes from self-centered motives. I also know that when I do use these lazy tricks, it’s because I write or speak before I think.

I want to please the Lord in all I do, so I accept—and even invite—the chastisement of the Holy Spirit. I need to be reminded to think before I act; to consider the effect my words may have on others.

As responsible writers, let’s hold each other accountable for the words we use. Let’s emphasize positive ways to expresses our feelings. Let’s remember that whatever we write, it could be seen by children.

Let’s strive to ensure that everything we write is “good and helpful,” so that our words “will be an encouragement to those who” read them.

As my friends, I ask you to hold me accountable for the words I use on this site, and any other media through which I communicate. I’d rather you hurt my feelings than allow me to produce less than my best.

What are your thoughts? Let’s keep the conversation going through comments.

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Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.

When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.

“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”