--- title: "It was once against military code to curse in uniform" description: "Military members aren’t shy about cursing. At least, this is a common assumption about the population. It’s so popularized, in fact, that people say things such as “curse like a sailor,” or that veteran talk can “peel paint from walls.”…" date: "2022-08-08" modified: "2022-08-08" authors: - name: "Bethaney Phillips" job_title: "Contributor, Veteran Spouse" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/bethaneyphillips/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/it-was-once-against-military-code-to-curse-in-uniform/" categories: - "Join the Military" - "Military Culture" --- # It was once against military code to curse in uniform ![]() *(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary T. Beatty)* Military members aren’t shy about cursing. At least, this is a common assumption about the population. It’s so popularized, in fact, that people say things such as “curse like a sailor,” or that veteran talk can “peel paint from walls.” All due to the frequent use of cuss words, when angered and in everyday talk. This may not be a blanket truth, but it’s well enough believed in today’s military. ![]() However, the ease in which curse words are thrown around today … that wasn’t always the case. In fact, it was once against the military code to cuss at all. In or out of uniform. In fact, if you look hard enough, it’s STILL banned. According to Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, it states that “indecent language” is prohibited. (What or who defines what is indecent, however, is omitted from said code.) In legalese, it basically states not to discredit the military by what you say. (Yes, this goes for social media, too.) In any case, it’s safe to say that 99% of the time, military members are not in trouble for their swears, or potentially indecent talk. In fact, they toss those words around freely. ![]() *A copy of the U.S. Military Justice Handbook. Image via Wikimedia Commons.* Once upon a time, however, that wasn’t the case. Military members did not curse, at least, not in the company of higher-ranking officers. Some didn’t curse, ever. As the practice was likely considered to be more taboo, it simply wasn’t done as often, as publicly, or as frequent. It was considered gentlemanly to speak appropriately, and this meant it was a standard that soldiers would follow. This dates back as far as the Revolutionary War, when George Washington made headlines for potentially swearing at his second in command. **George Washington curses during the Revolutionary War** Scholars have debated the fact as to whether or not George Washington swore. Specifically, if he swore during a battle against the British. Entire papers have been written on the subject, arguing either way. That goes to show what a big deal swearing was at the time. ![]() *George Washington in uniform. Image via Wikimedia Commons.* When asked point-blank about the subject, here’s what General Charles Scott had to say: \[Asked if Washington had \*ever\* cursed.\] “Yes, once. It was at Monmouth and on a day that would have made any man swear. Yes, sir, he swore on that day till the leaves shook on the trees, charming, delightful. Never have I enjoyed such swearing before or since. Sir, on that ever-memorable day, he swore like an angel from heaven. However, others say it was unlikely that Scott was there to witness said event, though he may have heard about it through other soldiers. In any case, the fact that it was so controversial – whether or not Washington said a cuss word – goes to show how uncommonly it took place. Over time, as cussing became common practice with civilians, so did it become more popular with soldiers. Today, no one bats an eye about long and loud strings of bleep-able words coming out of uniformed mouths. Just be aware that, if heard by the wrong person, they could cite the Uniformed Military Code of Justice. You’ve been warned; cuss at your own risk – just like Washington \*may\* have done. ## Author Bethaney Phillips has contributed to We Are the Mighty and MilSpouseFest since 2015, covering history and military family topics. She also served as the Interim Content and Digital Manager at MilSpouseFest in 2021. Now a veteran spouse, she spent six years in an active duty family and served as an SFRG leader. With a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing, she has more than 15 years of experience in digital and print writing, focusing on researched pieces and human interest stories. She is also a regular contributor to Business Insider, covering family and parenting topics. Her work has been included on Business Insider, Yahoo, Military.com, and Manhattan Magazine. While continuing to freelance, she works as the founding editor of the Clay County Regional, a print and digital newspaper delivered to more than 5,500 recipients. She also serves as the Digital Director/News Director for Taylor Communications out of north-central Kansas. Bethaney spends her free time chasing her two elementary-aged boys, raising chickens, and reading fiction. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [WWW]()