What th hell does that mean???

And you have to cuss to get the question asked?

Why is bad language used for the stupidest things?

Can't you speak normally, and in a civil manner?

I sometimes wonder at the upbringing of some people.

Metaverse Legend

A national flag displayed on ships and aircraft, often with the special insignia of a branch or unit of the armed forces. A standard or banner, as of a military unit. Archaic. A standard-bearer. (ĕn'sən) (Abbr. ENS) A commissioned rank in the U.S. Navy or Coast Guard that is below lieutenant junior grade. One who holds this rank. A badge of office or power; an emblem: “I want the seals of power and place,/The ensigns of command,/Charged by the people's unbought grace,/To rule my native land” (John Quincy Adams). A sign; a token.

Moosetek: The fact you think a normal word like "hell" is a swear word makes your own upbringign questionable here. If you're going to call someone for bad language, do it when they actually use bad language, as opposed to use a regular everyday word.

"Hell" is a swear word when used as Shadowmaster used it. Nor was it a question that called for it. It's a sad fact that everyday people seem to think profanity is appropriate for every mild annoyance or inconvienence. They over use profanity until in their own ignorance they think it's a normal part of speech. We should all be better than that. Save it for when it matters and in the meantime try to learn to express yourself in an intelligent and appropriate manner.

Is this one of those random occurrences when fundamentalism sweeps the galaxy? Chill out, people! Damn!

As far acceptable language for children on this board, I think that gray expletives should be ok. I mean, most mothers would probably not be upset with saying, "what the hell". A few might, but you can't please everyone.

Hell isn't a swearword. End of sentence. It's a fictional place. Locations aren't swearing. Do you get it yet?

now now children. hell is a very mild word. all kids are taught about hell are they not? and somewhere along the line all kids have A) used hell in the same manner and used worse. im sorry, but hell is not a cuss word. and to be honest.. he coulda used a helluva lots worse. true? XfaeryX

Everyone should be over 13 on these boards. Right M.B.M.? So they should be used to it by now. If he "dropped the F-bomb" or something like that, it would be a different story but why have we made this long discussion about it?

Hell might be fictional to some of us. But not neccessarily everyone. However 13 does seem to be the most likely age of many of the members, especially some who feels that age, not manners, not appropriate language, gives them reason to swear at any mild annoyance.

My problem isn't with swearing, however. It's just that it should be reserved for a good reason, not simply for general purpose communication. It doesn't matter then if it's hell or any other word. Use it for emotional emphasis under circumstances that warrant it. Manners are more important then many of us believe.

Well, for the sake of the argument, "What the HELL does that mean?" seems a bit vocal and unbalanced. : p

heh.. I thought when I saw it, that the OP had some kind of confusing, game altering event, that shook the foundations of his gaming world.  

I am an aussie and the add campain "where the bloody hell are you" was axed because of bad "langauge", it's aussie slag sheeh. Cant the rest of the world accept that we use the words like "bloody" and "hell" on a regular basis?, are the rest of the world pussies with there poche english slang, if there is one thing I have leant from RvB it's that the english langauge is kickarse. Also it's the langauge contians the most discriptive words in the world and like I can be stuffed learning all of them.

and anyway it was the frist thing I said when I saw the ensign medal anyway

The more you accept, the more those things become acceptable.

I was offended by the title of the post, and even more so when I read it's content.

It was not needed to use such language to ask such a simple question as:
What does the Ensign rank mean?

I use profanity from time to time.

I choose my words, the words do not choose me.

That, is the difference.

It shows a lack of morals, a lack of intelligence, and a lack of discretion.

It shows a lack of morals, a lack of intelligence, and a lack of discretion.

You're quite correct, your post has all those characteristics, as well as a heap of ignorance. This is not the dark ages. Get over it.

I think the tone and context matter more than the word itself, and also the level of aggression in its use and who it's directed at (if anyone).

The more you accept, the more those things become acceptable. I was offended by the title of the post, and even more so when I read it's content.

There is a theory in your statement. If a title offends you then why read the contents of the post too?? Sorry but not everything we read in life we will agree with, but that does not mean we should impose our ideals on anyone else. The theory goes that if you dont like it, then dont read it and dont annoy others by posting that you dont like it either. All you end up doing is creating a situation in the forums that was totaly avoidable and always ends up in a huge argument. This thread and others like it are thrown off-topic by needless remarks like those posted here, when simply answering the original question would have done!

With no comment on the words he chose, the OP does raise the question of will a future Earth SPACE force be modeled on the Navy or the Air Force. Instead of Ensign maybe "Spaceman" (rather than Seaman or Airman)????

Why should politeness, courtesy, and intelligent discourse be considered and "ideal" instead of the "normal" way to discuss an issue? I've met Aussies who are well able to control their language and can carry on a conversation without offensive behavior.

It's the rude and ignorant among us who seem to want to impose their own offensive behavior on others rather than the other way around. One thing is certain, a "Spaceman" or "Ensign" will certainly want to choose their own words more carefully when confronting an alien race.

It's the rude and ignorant among us who seem to want to impose their own offensive behavior on others rather than the other way around.

Then stop imposing your behaviour on others by invading a thread with absolute rubbish which you have no idea what you're talking about, and maybe, just maybe, someone will actually listen to you and not see you as an ignorant hypocrite.

It's the rude and ignorant among us who seem to want to impose their own offensive behavior on others rather than the other way around.

yet, you seem perfectly ok in doing this to this thread, madjoseph? im sorry.. but it isnt "do as i say not as i do" here. if tha is how you feel, fine, jus dont post it for the annoyance of others. it is going to cause a huge arguement which was totally avoidable. XfaeryX

I haven't imposed anything here. I've simply made my point of view known. As far as doing as I say instead of doing as I do, well, I've done as I said. I've refrained from any sort of profanity even with those who can't seem to understand anything more than four letter words.

The question in the original post was answered long ago but many others seem determined to confuse free speech with rude language. The point I will continue to make is that good manners and appropriate language do not oppose free speech but serve instead as its backbone.

Why is that position so offensive to some of you? Why is it that some of you seem outraged at a position different than your own? One reason could be that civilization all over the world is in a state of decline. Instead of seeking the lowest common denominators among us, why not strive for the highest? Ideals do matter. Words matter. Words make us what we are. Good words make us good.

lol

there is many christian fundamentalist here I see, I'm sure they are americans.

Sad.

I'm not a christian fundamenatlist. I'm neither christian, nor a fundamentalist of any sort. I do happen to be american, but I've been at odds with our goverment for over thirty-five years, and I certainly don't condone our government's reprehensible behavior.

However, I am truly and utterly sorry that you are sad. Sadness haunts me so.

Theres no need to berate others because they took offense at the language used or tone thereof. It may now be generally accepted, as many such phrases eventually become, but it's never neccessary, and everyone would be better served by a calm and polite discussion.

Since we're all done arguing and insulting each other, I think this thread has well past served its purpose.

*clink*