Post #3691265

"Hell" is considered a mild swear word in English because of Protestant cultural history. While many languages view the literal concept of hell objectively, English speakers historically grouped the word into blasphemy and "liturgical swearing". Calling upon or wishing someone to a place of eternal damnation was viewed as violating the sacred. Imagine, then, me as a little 8th grader from Hungary. I had told my teacher that a test can go to hell. Sent to principles office. Very confused. Why, when in Hungary, hell was never a swear or cuss? However, by contrast, in Hungary, to tell someone to go "francba" (to France!") is an extremely bad swear kids are discouraged to say. Instead, you use "Fenékbe" (into your butt) - so like, "go put yourself in your own ass!" - The French thing comes from the numerous Venereal Disease cases the French (supposedly) gave Hungarians.