Swear jar

A swear jar in China containing Reminbi

A swear jar (also known as a swear box, swearing jar, cuss jar, or cuss bank) is a device to help discourage people from swearing.[1] Every time someone utters a swear word, others who witness it collect a "fine", by insisting that the offender put some money into the box.[2] The container may be made of glass, porcelain, or metal, and may have a lid with a slot. From time to time, the accumulated money may be used for some agreed-upon purpose, or contributed to charity.

A swear jar might not be a physical object; instead, a notional swear jar is referred to by people to indicate someone's use of bad language has been noted.

Commercially produced

Most swear jars are homemade, however tins and boxes specifically designed for the purpose are marketed commercially, some of which have a "scale of charges" printed on them. Various materials are used to produce them. Earlier designs were commonly porcelain. Modern versions, often glass, are available online via eBay, other shopping websites, and even sites dedicated to selling only swear jars.

This device has been referred to in numerous novels, and has been a main theme in various television sitcoms and movies.

See also

References

  1. "Swearing and Bad Language". education.byu.edu. Retrieved 2014-06-10.
  2. Dimbleby’s Swear Box on BBC Panorama
  3. "Jon Stewart rips Obama administration over reported VA wait time cover-ups - Yahoo News". News.yahoo.com. 2014-05-20. Retrieved 2014-06-10.
  4. "Bud Light’s ‘Swear Jar’ Wins Emmy for Outstanding Commercial". Anheuser-Busch.com. 2008-09-13. Retrieved 2014-06-10.
  5. Nobel, Carmen. "Creating Online Ads We Want to Watch — HBS Working Knowledge". Hbswk.hbs.edu. Retrieved 2014-06-10.
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