Teacher of English
Hi everybody.
I’d like to know from native speakers if these words and expressions are still considered as “bad language” or “swearwords”:
What the hell are you doing?
What the hell does this mean?
Get the hell out of here!
Go to hell!
Oh hell!
Damn!
If so, how strong are they?
Thanks a lot.
WW
All the replies here to your query help to explain the ways that the quoted expressions are used and might be received.
It's entirely due to the social context that you find yourself in. Amongst contemporaries, friends or in a relaxed social situation in Europe or America, nobody would even notice you using these expressions.
But, for example, in the company of older people, or in a religious community, it would be unwise (and unsympathetic) to demonstrate your grasp of what some might consider 'strong language'.
It might also be seen as showing off unnecessarily - depending on the situation. I live in Thailand and it is extremely difficult (I would say almost impossible!) for native Thai-speaking people to grasp the complexities of English. Several times I have encountered Thai people who use the same colloquialisms of native English speakers in an attempt to impress.
Confidently saying "My God!" or "Oh sh*t!" (when the rest of that person's spoken English is poor) makes the speaker appear rude or even arrogant.
It is certainly not appropriate to use the expressions you quote in a formal context or document. It's fine to use this in a letter or email to a friend; but I would advise you to be cautious with a new acquaintance!
R