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I have worked at a behavior management camp for the last few summers and one of the kids I worked with said something that gives the recipient a very visceral picture of where I work. Unfortunately the kids like to swear a lot and the F word ended up in the quote...so is it something worth including?

It might be better to just say the kids were profane.

I think one example, in quotes, just to make the point a little more forceful, is ok. Absolutely do not overuse it though, and make sure it adds to the point you're making.

i'm using the word "sucks" in my ps...but it obviously is not on the same level as any profanity and it is highly relevant and powerful in my ps....i THINK u should be ok, but it is dangerous....

I think it depends on the swear word. I personally wouldn't risk it. I'd rather just put it at the end of the sentence if possible with the implication clear, like he turned to my and said You are a mother-.."

My only concern is that some people have a real aversion to cursing, even when in the context of talking about what someone else was saying. I'd like to think that most law school adcoms would not, but if it was my app, I'm not sure I would risk running across one that did KWIM?

It has to have a lot of meaning if you use it. It needs to be used such that there really isn't any other word you could use without detracting from the potency of what you're trying to express. I did it on my application to undergrad and I think it really made it stand out. If it's just in a quote that someone said, like "I hate doing fucking homework!" then it's probably not useful. And by no means should you do it more than a couple times in the whole essay.

I'd like to see the word in context before I say something one way or another.

Real lawyers swear all the time

I always feel that people sound less intelligent when they use profanity, even if you're using it to refer to something somebody else said.

That said, at least 25% of my speech is profanity.

Yeshia90 wrote:I'd like to see the word in context before I say something one way or another.

This.

I'd also probably consider using something like f**king rather than just dropping the f-bomb. There are certainly people who could be offended by your use of "fuck," even in a quote. I'd say it is somewhat risky and you have decide how much it adds to the essay, keeping in mind the potential risks.

Eh, if you have to ask, I wouldn't include it. Why risk any blowback for any minute gain?

How about using [expletive]?

Fuck yeah.

rinkrat19 wrote:How about using [expletive]?

This is probably your best bet. I know you want to make your point about the environment you were working in, but you don't want to seem like you're doing it just for shock value.

theadvancededit wrote:

rinkrat19 wrote:How about using [expletive]?

This is probably your best bet. I know you want to make your point about the environment you were working in, but you don't want to seem like you're doing it just for shock value.

+1. There is no real benefit to actually using the word, and while many might not be offended by your use of it it that context, there is always a chance that you'll get the wrong person going over your application. Don't take the risk when there are other ways to convey your message.