Value of the F-bomb

I received this beautiful gift in the mail yesterday (Silver Lining). Yes, it is an F-bomb. Literally.

As many of you know, since the time of my diagnosis, I have dropped quite a few F-bombs. They fly out much more freely during times of high stress (e.g., hospitalizations, laying on the bathroom floor, visits from Chemo-sobby).

Profanity is certainly a divisive subject. Some think obscenities have no place in any polite conversation, ever; some feel, judiciously applied, profanity is the best flavor in their communication spice rack; others lob expletives like they’re trying to unlock a coveted F-bomb-Yeah Four-Letter Words badge. I am among the first two groups and happy to say that I am not among the third.

One thing I know for sure: swear words are succinctly emotional and evocative.

The other thing I know for sure: I have managed not to drop one in front of our daughter, Finally Five (phew!).

Did you know that from an evolutionary standpoint, swearing is a unique human behavior that was developed for a purpose?  Taboo words persist because they can intensify emotional communication to a degree that nontaboo words cannot. I can definitely relate to this!

It will probably come as no surprise to learn that swearing is commonplace in the financial world. According to Nicholas Colas, chief marketing strategist at BNY ConvergEx Group, f-bombs are most commonly used when the market falls quickly, while the s-word is more often used to express pained resignation when the market declines slowly. Also, traders generally prefer to use the s-word as an adjective rather than a noun. Juicy tidbits, right?!?!

So, while I try to think twice before I speak once and avoid lobbing the F-bombs as regularly as I once did, they still do slip out now and then. I guess it’s just how I roll.