The Value of Profanity
“Oh Fudge”
Is There Value in Swearing?
Netflix has recently launched a new series called “History of Swear Words.” Hosted by the versatile and talented Nicholas Cage.
Currently there are six episodes, which are listed with various “**” in the titles. The popularity of the program and the popularity of expletives got me thinking – is there value in profanity?
The elusive Banksy has employed swearing as social commentary on the art world with this artwork titled “Morons (White and Gold).” The text on the artwork within the artwork reads:
I Can’t
Believe
You Morons
Actually
Buy This
Shit
The piece sold in 2016 for $33,750 at Julien’s Auctions:
Banksy "Morons (White and Gold)
Courtesy of Julien's Auctions
A particular favorite expletive artwork I found during my research is by Italian Artist Piero Manzoni (1933-1963). A 3-inch diameter can, housed in a clear plastic bag, is labeled “Merde d’Artiste” (Artist’s Shit). The only thing more fun than swearing is swearing in a foreign language. The artwork sold at Rago Auction Gallery for $438 in 2019.
The word shit feels very approachable. It is relate-able on a physical level. It can also be used emphatically. This may be why surrealist artist William Copley chose to name his periodical “S.M.S.” (Shit Must Stop) in the turbulent 1960s. The periodical was a combination of work from different artists. Contributing artists included: Marcel Duchamp, Meret Oppenheim, Christo, Lichtenstein, and Fluxus artist Yoko Ono.
Portfolio Number 1, from February 1968, sold in 2018 for $501.50
But “Shit” is only one of the episodes featured on the program. Another classic in the expletive repertoire is the both reviled and embraced “Bitch.” Elton John was an enthusiast of the word in his classic “The Bitch is Back.” Many other novelties that feature the word “Bitch” are from the 1970s. These federal glass “Bitch Bitch Bitch” glasses can be found on eBay for $10-20.
Bitch Bitch Bitch mug
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-federal-milk-glass-coffee-mug-3595975672
These mugs really illustrate the flexibility of the word. It can mean to complain, something difficult, a person, or more banally, a dog.
The very first episode of Mr. Cage’s series focuses on an oft used bad word. In the movie “A Christmas Story” Ralphie refers to it as “THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the "F-dash-dash-dash" word!”
If you look up the mother of all swear words on WorthPoint, well you won’t find it. You need to get creative, like this children’s book, a favorite of parents a few years ago:
"Go the F*ck to Sleep" by Adam Mansbach
A parental favorite
The highest priced F-dash-dash-dash word item I could find sold on eBay in 2015. A bracelet made by Chrome Hearts. It sold for $1,100 and sold even higher at other online venues.
Chrome Hearts opened in 1988 by Richard Stark and Laurie Lynn Stark. Stark is a motorcycle enthusiast who says he couldn’t find motorcycle jackets in styles he liked so he started his own company. From leather to accessories Chrome Hearts became a celebrity favorite. Including Elton John, who, as noted earlier, does not appear to have any issues with swearing in public.
"Fuck You" bracelet by Chrome Hearts
But THE Swear Word can be found on many things, hats, pins, patches, flasks, and merchandise denigrating other sports teams. Comedian Charlie Berens has made his “Manitowoc Minute” tagline, “Go Packers and F*ck the Bears” into numerous fun and funny pieces of merchandise from masks, shirts, and hats to fishing lures. And his mom watches to his show.
A number of musical acts, most frequently Eminem, comes up when search the F-word. But my favorite musical item with this word emblazoned on it comes from Buddy Guy whose guitar pick bears a message that you may take to heart.
At almost 85-years-of-age this American treasure and blues legend has earned the right to say whatever he wants. Whomever purchased this amazing piece of musical history got it for a steal on eBay for only $10.57.
Buddy Guy Guitar Pick
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/buddy-guy-guitar-pick-ck-yourself-2108091366
Buddy Guy Guitar Pick
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