Just a passing thought. I was thinking that, in my view, people swear excessively nowadays and are usually so quick to resort to what is considered a swear word or vulgar language.

I know that in, for example, the 18th or 19th century people were more eloquent and strict in their values. Publishers didn't allow any foul language to be printed. From what I've read, up until perhaps 1970s/1980s television was very controlled and strict with what was broadcast and language was usually sanitized.

Am I wrong? Did people swear as much in the 18th/19th century? Is it possible to find out? I did try research but I'm not sure how to find out because words in print which are devoid of bad language aren't the same as getting an insight into the spoken word in a society from 100/200 years ago.

I realize it was very strict back then and religion was prevalent and followed earnestly so uttering the lord's name in vain would be a swear word or minor things by today's standards would be considered vulgar language or swear words.

Did people start swearing more from one decade/century to the next or is this a misconception and humans have always swore?

Maybe it hasn't increased over time?