Q&A: Foul Speech, God forbid
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Foul Speech, God forbid
Question
My friends really love talking about all kinds of matters that modesty would prefer stayed private, so I wanted to know: what exactly is the definition of foul speech?
Answer
It’s hard to find a definition for something that isn’t clearly defined in Jewish law. You can find surveys and discussions online, but in my view those are usually unfounded opinions.
In any case, it is proper to keep away from ugliness and from sexually explicit talk, regardless of the formal boundaries of the prohibition—if there even is such a prohibition.
Discussion on Answer
*What does it even mean, etc.?
Common sense.
What makes you think you have it? (I mean, I’m not necessarily referring to our master the Rabbi—God forbid—but in general, who knows that he has common sense?)
But then what does it even mean to say "it is proper"? Who decides that, if it doesn’t appear in Jewish law, etc.?