♥!The Young Adult Book Club!♥ discussion

Hello everyone!

I was wanting to pose a question to all concerning bad words in young adult books...

I know there are a lot of books out there with naughty words in them, but do the majority of readers mind bad words? Does it make a book more interesting? Does it throw the book off for you? Does it make the characters seem cool? Can there be a "cool" young adult book without the hardcore cuss words?

What are your opinions? Cuss words, mild once in a while cuss words, or none at all for young adult books? c:

I' ve think about it and maybe im not the only one.... the use of bad language on a book to say if its good or bad, depends on the reason of it. Let me explain, i have read some books that only use cuss words a lot, for any reason on every page and all the time. And that just makes you tired of the word. Really need expand your vocabulary.
For me is not necessary the use of bad language when you can say something as insulting with the correct wording to get your meaning!
But some others times I allowed cuz depending on the book, the context and the character personality there's an especific sense in the cussing. Its like a expression just for the character, that without it wouldn't feel the same on paper.... right?
Its a decision of the author and editor to make, about what is the message they want to send and also to what target. For me the Young Adult genre is very diverse so it may be difficult to come across a decision that pleases everyone!

Angelli wrote: "I' ve think about it and maybe im not he only one.... the use of bad language on a book to say if its good or bad depends on the reason of it. let me explain, i have read some books that only use c..."

Thanks for your comment, Angelli. I like that you mentioned it is like an expression for the character's personality.

I would also get tired of a certain word if it was used, lets say at least once on every single page. But I guess if it fits the character, then it would be good to add it in there somewhere, but not over do it.

yeahh..
im with you 100% there.... not over do it!

So, I know the question is 3 months old, but since you only received one perspective I figured I'd add mine.
For me I think it depends on the character and the plot. An example would be if it is natural for the character saying or thinking the words then yes I have no problem with them because it feels real enough with the character. You know that bad boy or whatever. I also think that teens insert a lot of....colorful language into their dialogue with other teens naturally IRL, so for me even if it's excessive I can see it being realistic. I think though that when the character is not naturally one to cuss or use that sort of colorful language, then it can feel awkward and unnatural. But overall...do I have a problem with it? Nope not at all.

For me any words are OK if they are used properly. It can be really effective in the right place.

I use cuss words in my books because I think it sounds more realistic. Most people I know cuss in high-stress situations: when they're upset, scared, etc. Some people are still bothered by the f-word, and I try to limit that, but sometimes, you have to do it. One of my novels has a high-school setting. Yep, those teenage boys drop a few f-bombs. I've asked this same question on my blog before, and the answers were overwhelmingly, use them, but with discretion. Too many, and they lose their impact.