In Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, there is a memorable exchange between Captain Kirk and Spock on the use of swear words in conversation. The crew of the Enterprise travel back in time to 1986 and Spock remarks on the use of profanity. The exchange is as follows.
Spock: Admiral, may I ask you a question?
Kirk: Spock, don’t call me Admiral. You used to call me Jim. Don’t you remember “Jim”? What’s your question?
Spock: Your use of language has altered since our arrival. It is currently laced with, shall I say, more colorful metaphors– “Double dumb-ass on you” and so forth.
Kirk: You mean the profanity?
Spock: Yes.
Kirk: That’s simply the way they talk here. Nobody pays any attention to you unless you swear every other word. You’ll find it in all the literature of the period.
It is common for people to swear in conversation and you will find it in any number of situations. That being said, is it allowed by employees when addressing customers?
Dropping A Swear Word On Board
Recently I boarded a transatlantic flight and settled into by business class seat. Passengers were boarding and I engaged in conversation with one of the cabin crew. We were having general chit chat when she remarked that she was quite tired as she had a “shit sleep” the night before.
I was not offended as I use the word myself and have probably said the exact same thing to people when referring to a bad sleep. I do believe it is unprofessional to use a curse word to a passenger. Anyone could have overheard and some people are far less tolerant than I am when it comes to language. Children could have been in earshot and it may offend passengers from different cultures.
Overall Thoughts
I did not report the incident as it was said in conversation and without thinking. Even so, I don’t think cabin crew should use a swear word in conversation with passengers. Have you ever come across a member of crew using profanity in conversation? What do you think of this incident? Thanks for reading and if you have comments or questions, please leave them below.
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I think the use of swear words or expletives by cabin crew is unprofessional at best. I was brought up not to use certain words and when I was growing up if I was to use such words there was the threat of me getting my mouth washed out with soap and/or a spanking. I also believe that the use of the name of God (or Jesus or Christ) in vain is a sin as it is a violation of the Third Commandment.
I agree with you when it comes to cabin crew or service staff, it’s just unprofessional. It was a total no-no when I worked in customer service in a call centre. You could be dismissed for it really. Thanks for the comment!
Our society has become too PC. Who cares? Children have probably heard it before anyway
While I agree society has become too PC (you should see how bad it is in Australia, the Nanny State!) when do you really ever see people in customer service swearing in conversation with customers? That was my point. Thanks for the comment!
I have not encountered this. But it shouldn’t be used.
I agree with you. I was surprised yet not offended. I know it was just a slip at the end of the day. Thanks for the reply!
I’ve never run into this on a plane but it does sound unprofessional. As far as being offensive that’s a matter of your morals and opinion. For example when I hear “Oh my god” or “OMG” it’s offensive to me but 99% of the people don’t think so.
You are correct, different things are offensive to different people. Our receptionist at work was quite religious so many of us took care with our language out of respect for her. It’s all about being aware of your surroundings and your audience. Thanks for the comment!