Piper Wang
Do you trash talk in other languages?

I found myself trash talking in English, like a lot of times, I am pretty much enjoying it.

It's not like I'm rude or anything, I don't curse in Chinese, at all. I figured I just like the those English words phonetically.

So, how about you people?  and what do you think of cursing in other languages?

Jul 20, 2016 7:17 AM
Comments · 17
6

It's probably fine, as long as you don't try it with native speakers of your target language. There is nothing funnier than a non-native speaker using profanity, and I doubt if they are shooting for "funny".

July 20, 2016
3

Your comments have led several people here, myself included, to think you are actually talking while using foul language. Instead, it seems you are just typing. You should have been more clear, because it makes a difference in my response. A non-native is more likely to get her point accross correctly while typing profanity than speaking it. 

July 22, 2016
2

L2 = language number two or second language. Target language may be a better choice. It's not an insult.

July 26, 2016
2

@Piper

Although I said a non-native can sound more native-like while typing rather than speaking, there are still dangers. Let me illustrate using your last response:

 

You said: I swear I meant it to be polite.

I'd say: I honestly meant to be more polite.

You said: I am sure as hell will wording more discreetly.

I'd say: I'll be sure to word things more discreetly.

 

This is an example of why I normally advise non-native speakers not to swear in their L2.

July 25, 2016
2

@Piper Wang - I think you're confusing "talking" with "writing".

July 21, 2016
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