User:LingClassmate/Profanity

Slurs vs. Profanity
Already mentioned that profanity is socially offensive and are considered to be strongly impolite. Slurs however are derogatory, they are meant to harm another individual. Although profanity has been seen to improve performance or relieve anxiety and anger, and can be use in a lighthearted way; it is not the same with slurs. By definition, slurs are considered profanity because they are socially offensive and strongly impolite. When using profanity they can be taken lightheartedly.

For example: If I don't get an A on this exam, I'm fucked.

In the example, the word "fucked" is profanity however, the way it is embedded isn't offending anything, the speaker isn't making an offensive claim. However slurs are not to be taken lightheartedly, no matter how they are used they still make an offensive claim. In the claim of Slurs vs Profanity, a slur is profanity but it is the type that should never be used out of common respect for others and their race, ethnicity, religion, culture, etc.