A few years ago, I was sitting in a meeting when a colleague stood up to deliver a presentation. It had been a tough project, tight deadlines, endless revisions, and a fair share of late nights. But they made it. The final product was a success.
As my colleague wrapped up, they smiled and said, “I’m so f*ing proud of this team.”
Silence.
A few people laughed. Some nodded in agreement. Others exchanged quick glances. A quiet whisper here and there. I could almost see the internal debates happening in real time: Was that unprofessional? Was it just passion? Should we be offended?
Malta’s Eurovision song this year “Kant” reminded me of this situation. The title alone sparked controversy. Some called it a creative play on words, others saw it as just inappropriate. It raises an interesting question: where do we draw the line when it comes to language, especially in the workplace?
Training for Success: How to Develop Soft Skills
For years, professionalism meant strict formality. Suits, titles, and a polished vocabulary come to my mind. Swearing? Out of the question. But times change. Today, workplaces are shifting towards authenticity and self-expression. Casual dress codes, flexible work environments, even emojis in emails :).
But does that include swearing?
For some, a well-placed curse word conveys genuine emotion, excitement, frustration, emphasis. For others, it feels unnecessary, offensive, or even disrespectful. The interpretation often depends on generational differences, industry culture, and personal values.
Generational Gaps: The Language Divide
How we define “professionalism” is often shaped by the era we grew up in.
- Baby Boomers (1946-1964) grew up in a workplace where formality was expected. Professionalism was about maintaining a polished image. Hierarchical structures, strict dress codes, and carefully chosen words. Swearing was seen as unprofessional at best, and outright disrespectful at worst.
- Gen X (1965-1980) witnessed a bit of a shift. While still valuing professionalism, this generation saw the rise of corporate casual cultures and a greater emphasis on work-life balance. Swearing was still frowned upon, but in some industries, it started to sneak in behind closed doors.
- Millennials (1981-1996) entered a workplace where authenticity became a core value. They challenged traditional corporate norms, fighting for open communication, informal leadership styles, and workplaces that felt more like communities.
- Gen Z (1997-2012) has grown up in a world of unfiltered digital communication. Swearing is common in everyday conversation, even among influencers, entrepreneurs, and public figures. For them, words carry different weight. Context is key, and a casual curse word isn’t necessarily offensive if it’s part of self-expression.
So, Who’s Right?
There’s no single answer. The workplace is now a blend of these generations, each with different expectations and sensitivities. What one person finds engaging and real, another may find unprofessional or inappropriate. And that’s where company culture comes in.
Company Culture
Just try to imagine two different scenarios:
- Scenario 1: A Bank’s Boardroom
A senior executive is presenting quarterly results to the board of directors. The numbers are strong, and in a moment of enthusiasm, they drop an F-bomb.
It would probably cause a little discomfort. Banks operate in a world of trust, precision, and formal professionalism. Language is expected to reflect that. Even a passionate curse word could feel inappropriate in this setting, raising questions about credibility and control.
- Scenario 2: A Gaming Company’s Town Hall
A product manager is announcing a major launch. The project has been a long time coming, and they exclaim, “This update is f*ing awesome!”
Reactions would probably include some cheers, maybe even laughter. In creative, fast-paced industries like gaming or tech, passion is often valued over formality. Swearing isn’t necessarily seen as offensive. It’s energy, excitement, and authenticity.
So, is swearing at work inappropriate? Or does it depend on the context?
Personal Values: The Subjectivity of Language
Beyond generational and industry norms, swearing is deeply personal. Some people don’t care. Others find it offensive, no matter the context. The same word that one person uses casually might carry emotional weight for someone else, especially in multicultural workplaces where language nuances differ.
So, who decides? And should there be rules?
Are We Being Too Soft or Just More Considerate?
There’s an argument that we’ve become too sensitive, that people should just “get over it.” But there’s also the counterargument: workplaces are shared spaces, and what’s empowering for one person might be offensive to another.
So where’s the balance?
✔ Read the Room: If you’re in a more formal setting, it’s probably best to rein it in. If you’re among like-minded colleagues, a casual expletive might not be a big deal.
✔ Respect Company Culture: What’s acceptable in one workplace isn’t necessarily acceptable in another.
✔ Be Aware of Your Audience: If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution, especially in diverse teams.
The Bigger Question: What Does Professionalism Look Like Today?
The reality is, workplace norms are evolving. Language that was once completely off-limits is becoming more accepted, but context still matters. The question isn’t just about swearing. It’s about the broader shift in what we consider “professional.”
Does professionalism mean polished and restrained? Or does it mean being authentic, even if that includes the occasional F-bomb?
