Blue Language At Work (Page 1 of 2)	
Blue Language At Work	
Blue language (or called "cursing a blue streak") includes: 1) cursin
g, 2) cussing, 3) dirty talk, 4) evil 
speaking, 5) obscenity, 6) swearing, and 7) vulgar language.  John Cusick, a WRITER, said, "Teens love 
blue language. It's fun, funny, taboo, and often the way teenagers speak to one another."  But Cusick 
continues, "That's the real problem with extreme language — it steals
 focus from what I am writing about.  
I don't want my readers thinking about my leading lady's foul mouth when
 they 
should be thinking about her broken heart." 
The same is true in the work world.  Blue language steals the focus from
 you and 
your work skills.  You do not want the manager thinking about your blue 
language — you want the manager thinking about the good job you are d
oing.   
Careerfinder job website surveyed over 2,000 hiring managers and found:
•  64% of employers think less of a worker who repeatedly uses curse words
•  57% of employers said they are less likely to promote someone who swears
 while at work 
•  81% of employers believe that use of curse words brings a worker's profe
ssionalism into question 
•  71% of employers worry that a worker who uses blue language lacks self-c
ontrol 
•  68% of employers say workers who use blue language lack maturity (judge
ment and good work habits)
•  54% of employers say that blue language makes workers appear less intell
igent (less smart)
As the saying goes: You are as good as your word.   At work, blue language 
words may:  1) Lower your professional image; 2) Harm work relationshi
ps; 
3) Be considered harassment; 4) Be considered safety threat (mental o
r physical); 
5) Create a work environment of disrespect; 6) Get you fired.  One employer said, 
"Cursing in the workplace is a one-way ticket to an exit interview.  Managers 
worry if your behavior is going to invite lawsuits.  Workers who use blue  language are seen as an employer's nightmare."  
Therefore, good work world language: 1) Helps you receive raises and 
promotions.  2) Shows that you have grace under pressure (know how to 
handle yourself in stress situations).  3) Lets you serve as a role mo
del 
for new workers and coworkers.  4) Shows that you have respect for the 
work site, workers, and customers.  5) Shows others that you are mature
 
and have self-control.  6) Shows that you are smart and can think of go
od 
ways to say your thoughts. Employers reward good work world role 
models with raises and promotions!   
Today, many workers are on video while at work.  Police officers, fire 
fighters, bankers, customer service representatives, stock brokers, cashiers, dispatchers, and others.  If these 
workers use blue language during a situation, the video may end up as ev
idence in court or a story on the 
news.  Workers who are on video must use professional language at all times!  These workers must learn 
and use the habit of excellent communication skills at all times.

College & Career Publishing.  Permission to use with usworkworld.com subscription.  	Blue Language At Work (page 2 of 2)	
QUICK CHECK:
1. a) What is blue language often called?  b) Give 
5 examples of what blue language includes. 
2.  a) What did John Cusick say about teens?
  b) What did Cusick say is the real problem of 
extreme language?
3.  a) From what does blue language steal focus?  
b) About what do you NOT want the manager to 
think?  b) About what do you want the manager 
to think?
4.  What did: a) 57% of employers say?  b) 68% of 
employers say? c) 54% of employers say?
5.  a) What is the saying?  b) List 3 of the 6 things 
blue language words may do. 
6.  a) What did Raz think cursing in the work place 
is a ticket to?  b) About what do managers 
worry?  c) What is an employer's nightmare?
7.  What is "grace under pressure"?
How can you stop using blue language?  Here are some ideas:
Retrain your brain.  If you have nothing nice to say, close your mouth and say nothing.  While your 
mouth is closed,  think of an acceptable way to say what you want to say.  As you practice closing your 
mouth while thinking, you will actively retrain your brain to act differently to situations.   With practice, 
the correct words will come to your brain quickly allowing you to talk a
nd not offend others.  You will be  seen as smart for having an acceptable vocabulary (words) and way of t
alking.
Control your temper.  Often what is behind blue language is anger and an outburst of emotions.  
High paid workers (such as supervisors and managers) have learned to c
ontrol anger and outbursts 
of emotions.  High paid workers feel anger, but learn by experience  that blue language does not 
help a situation — blue language only creates more problems for thems
elves and others.  
Look above you.  For success, think ahead to the next level of your job by acting and t
alking like 
the workers who are the level above you.  If you are restaurant crew mem
ber who wants to be crew 
leader — dress, act, and talk like a crew leader.  When you are crew leader and want to be shift 
supervisor — dress, act, and talk like a shift supervisor.  When you are shift supervisor and want to 
be restaurant manager — dress, act, and talk like a manager.  When you respectfully 
do this, others will see you as a worker who is ready to be promoted.
"Why?"  Is your blue language a leftover habit from high school?  Make a list o
f  reasons 
why it is not good to use blue language.  Knowledge is power.  By understanding and listing 
reasons for not using blue language at work, you can take steps to stop 
using blue language.
Reward yourself for changing!  You may even ask your friends and family to help you remember to use 
acceptable language.  Celebrate by going to a special restaurant at the 
end of a "good talking" week.
8. List 3 of the 6 things that good work world 
  language will do for you.
9.  a) Give 3 examples of workers who may be 
  on video.  b) What may happen if these 
  workers use blue language during a situation?  
  c) What habit must these workers learn/use?
10.    a) If you have nothing nice to say, what should 
you do?  b) What should you think?  c) What 
happens with practice?
11.  a) What is behind blue language? b) What have 
high paid workers learned by experience?
12.  a) Describe what is meant by "Look above you."
  b) What happens when you respectfully do this?
13.  a) What should you list?  b) Knowledge is what?  
c) By understanding, what can you take?
14.	 a)	If	you	were	a	supervisor,	would	you	fire	a	 worker who uses blue language?  b) In essay of 
25 words or more give reasons why or why not.