Is “Freaking” a Bad Word? When (And If) You Should Say It

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Plus, learn other PG ways to say the F-word

Co-authored by Wits End Parenting and Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: February 1, 2025 Fact Checked

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Is "freaking" a swear word?

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When It's Appropriate to Say

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How to Use "Freaking"

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Is it a bad word in the Bible?

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Alternative Words

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More F-Word Substitutes

"Freaking" is a word you'll hear a lot of kids and adults using in place of "f**king" these days. Sometimes it sounds like a curse, and other times it sounds like the person saying it is happy or in awe of something. Given that people of all ages say it, it's a good idea to discover what it means, whether it's safe for you and your loved ones to use it, and how you should say it to convey the right message. Find out all of that and more in our full guide to this F-word substitute.

Is "freaking" a bad word to use?

It depends on the context. "Freaking" is a substitute for the F-word. While its original meaning isn't offensive, some people may be offended if you use it in a formal setting. But in casual conversations with people you're comfortable around, "freaking" is a safe alternative swear word.

Section 1 of 6:

Is "freaking" a swear word?

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No, "freaking" is not a swear word, but it still offends some people. "Freaking" is an adjective that emphasizes the word it describes. It's almost more of a slang word than a curse word, and a PG-rated alternative to the F-word. It's a safer, less offensive way to make a statement sound more forceful—but some people may still find it impolite or inappropriate depending on the context.^{[1]
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- "I freaking hate this movie. It's so freaking stupid."
- "I freaking love Taylor Swift! Her songs are so freaking amazing!"
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"Freaking" can be a positive or negative word based on context. For example, if the speaker complains about someone and says, "That freaking guy!" and rolls their eyes, that's an insult. If the speaker praises someone and says, "They're so freaking talented!" and smiles, that's a compliment.^{[2]
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- Basically, "freaking" just amplifies the feelings someone has about what they're talking about, whether those feelings are positive or negative.

Section 2 of 6:

When and With Whom to Say "Freaking"

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If you're having a conversation with your boss at work or speaking on behalf of the company that employs you, you should refrain from using slang and emphasizers. They may make you sound less reputable.^{[3]
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Always be on your best behavior in front of someone you respect and avoid cursing with swear words and non-swear substitutes. Plus, when you talk to an elderly person, they may not understand what "freaking" means and take it the wrong way.^{[4]
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Do say "freaking" around trusted friends and family members. If you're around people you know (and who don't mind it), absolutely feel free to use "freaking" in your conversations! It's far more polite than the F-word and free of any vulgar meaning.^{[5]
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- Be aware that some people may think you're prudish or overly cautious if you substitute "f*cking" with "freaking." If it would bother you to be regarded in that way, consider avoiding "f*ck" substitutes altogether.
Every parent has their own standards for what they believe is appropriate for their child to say. Find out if it's a taboo word in your household before you start throwing it around and get in trouble. When in doubt, don't say "freaking" (or the F-word, or any other substitutes) around your parents or other adults just in case they find that kind of language offensive or inappropriate for a kid.

Section 3 of 6:

How to Use "Freaking" in Conversation

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Use "freaking" to emphasize how great something or someone is. Common phrases that work well in this context include "This is so freaking good/awesome" or "You're so freaking cool/talented!" As long as you're delivering a genuine compliment, people will interpret your tone as positive or supportive.
- "This tiramisu tastes so freaking good, I can't even!"
- "That science project was baller! You're so freaking talented and creative!"
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Or, say "freaking" to show how frustrating something or someone is. Use common phrases like "This is so freaking frustrating!", "That freaking person!", or "It was a freaking nightmare!" Listeners will be able to tell by your tone and the fact that you're complaining or venting to that you're using "freaking" to amplify negative feelings.
- "This math test is so freaking frustrating! I can't figure it out!"
- "That freaking guy! He's always cramping my style."
- "Dealing with my insurance company after the car accident was a freaking nightmare."
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Substitute "What the freak!" for the exclamation "What the f*ck!" "What the freak" can also be "What the heck" or "What the hell." It's what you say when you're shocked, puzzled, or upset by something. You can say it in a positive context (like when you walk into a surprise party held in your honor) or in a negative context (like after you hear that something terrible has happened).
- Them: "Ms. Johnson just said there will be a pop quiz tomorrow."
  You: "What the freak!?"

Section 4 of 6:

Is "freaking" a bad word in the Bible?

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This means religious people who obey the Bible can feel safe saying this word if they want to. However, they should avoid using it when they pray or while speaking to a religious official (i.e., a pastor, priest, or nun) out of respect.^{[6]
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Section 5 of 6:

Safer Alternatives to "Freaking"

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Use negative adjectives like "cursed," "blasted," or "rotten" instead. These are strong negative words that stand on their own and will help you express how awful something is without resorting to using a slang term.^{[7]
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- "That cursed car! I rue the day I bought it."
- "This blasted exam is kicking my rear."
- "What a rotten mess this whole trip has been!"
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Or, swap in positive adjectives like "marvelous," "wonderful," or "great." Instead of saying, "That's freaking awesome!" or "You're freaking amazing!" try deploying one of these positive adjectives to express positivity and delight in less time (and to show off your incredible vocabulary).^{[8]
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Research source} You can also just drop "freaking" and use words like "awesome" by themselves.
- "Mary, you're a marvelous human being!"
- "This is the most wonderful hamburger I've ever eaten!"
- "Our trip to Mount Rushmore was great!"

Section 6 of 6:

More F-Word Substitutes

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"Flipping" "Flipping" can be swapped for "freaking" in any negative conversation – i.e., "That flipping guy!" or "That was a flipping nightmare!" It doesn't work as well in positive contexts.^{[9]
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- "This flipping driver can't make up his mind if he wants to turn right or left."
- "This day was the flipping worst."
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"Frigging" "Frigging" has a stronger negative meaning than "flipping" or "freaking." The Cambridge English Dictionary defines it as "a rude word used to give more force to an expression of anger."^{[10]
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- "Will this frigging day never end?"
- "I'm so frigging angry about the way my favorite show ended."
- Use your good judgment when incorporating "flipping" or "frigging" in your conversations. You should follow the same rules for "freaking" and avoid saying any "f*ck* substitute in a formal conversation.