Is Hell a Curse Word? (& Will It Get You In Trouble?)

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Experts weigh in on when it is and isn't appropriate to say "Hell"

Co-authored by Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed. and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: April 6, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Is hell a cuss word?
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• When Hell Isn’t a Swear Word
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• Will I get in trouble for saying hell?
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• Using Hell as a Swear
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• Is swearing bad?
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• Swearing Benefits
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• Expert Interview
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• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

If you’re curious whether “hell” is a swear word, you aren’t alone! Hell is an unusual word: there are situations where it’s perfectly okay for you to say it, but there are other times when someone might want to wash your mouth out with soap! If you’re worried you might get in trouble for saying hell in front of your parents, teacher, or boss, keep reading to figure out when–and how–to use this word. Plus, we’ll cover other important questions, like, “Is swearing bad?” and “Are there benefits to swearing?” You might be surprised at what you learn!

Is hell a swear word?

Hell is a curse word and a mild expletive when used in anger or for emphasis (like saying “Go to hell!” or “What the hell?”). Saying hell in public is often considered rude and inappropriate. However, when used in a religious context, hell is not considered a swear word.

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Section 1 of 6:

Is hell a cuss word?

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   “Hell” is considered a swear word when used in anger or for emphasis. Unless you’re talking about hell in a religious context, it’s technically considered a curse word in the English language. However, many people don’t find the word as offensive as other swears, so some do not consider it a proper swear word.

   • Examples of cursing include "Go to hell!" and "For hell's sake!"
   • Hell can also be used in a casual, conversational way, but it's still considered a swear word in those instances. Someone might say, "Hell if I know" or "It was a hell of a party!"
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   Technically, “hell” is a “mild expletive.” That means many people think it’s pretty tame, as far as swear words go. It’s about equal to the word “damn” in terms of offensiveness.

   • A person’s perception of how rude it is often depends on their religious beliefs. Someone who isn't particularly religious may not be bothered by it, while someone who is religious may be offended when you say the word hell.
   • When hell is used as a swear word, it falls under the “blasphemy” category of curse words. Since it refers to a religious topic in a disrespectful way, some religious people feel that it’s a very ugly swear word.
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Section 2 of 6:

When Hell Isn’t a Swear Word

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   Hell isn’t considered a curse word when used in a religious context. In many faiths, hell is defined as a bad place where sinners go to be punished, but the word itself isn’t bad to use in religious discussions. So if you’re reading aloud from the Bible, there’s no need to skip over the word.

Section 3 of 6:

Will I get in trouble for saying hell?

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   Saying hell may get you in trouble in some public and group settings. In most schools, businesses, and professional settings, saying hell could get you in trouble. It’s considered rude and unprofessional.

   • Saying hell may be overlooked in some places (such as a football stadium), while it would cause a scene in others (such as a bank). When it comes to swearing, location matters! When in doubt, avoid saying hell in public places.
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   Saying hell can upset people, even if it doesn’t get you in trouble. Some people find swearing offensive, especially if they’re religious. Unless you’re very familiar with them and you’re sure they won’t be bothered by swearing, it’s best to choose other words so you don’t cause any trouble.

   • If you’re using the word hell in a joking manner, you risk sending the wrong message and seeming inconsiderate of others.
   • Use “heck” as an inoffensive alternative to saying hell.
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   Saying hell won’t get you in legal trouble in the United States. From a legal standpoint, your right to say “go to hell” is protected under the First Amendment. The First Amendment protects citizens’ freedom of speech, meaning the government cannot punish them for expressing themselves, even if the words are inappropriate or vulgar.

   • Some countries have strict laws about swearing in public, which could land you fines or jail time. “Hell” may not be considered profanity, however. If you plan on traveling, always do your research to make sure you behave appropriately wherever you’re going.
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   You won’t get in trouble for saying hell on YouTube. In 2019, YouTube clarified that creators can say hell as often as they want. Saying hell won’t affect your ability to monetize your videos with ads on YouTube.

   • For the most part, most social media sites (including TikTok) seem to be okay with users saying hell and other mild expletives. If you’re ever unsure, read the site’s policies to make sure you won’t get in trouble for swearing or have your account flagged.
   • Even though hell is sometimes considered a curse word, it generally isn’t censored on TV or radio. This is because the media has become more lax about censoring “blasphemous” swear words.
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Section 4 of 6:

Ways to Use Hell as a Curse Word

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   Say “What the hell?” to express confusion or frustration. This is another way of saying, “What on earth?” and is often used to show confusion and frustration over an unexpected event. Or, if it’s said with a shrug, it can mean, “Oh, why not? Let’s do it.” Here are some examples:

   • “What the hell was that noise?”
   • “What the hell are you doing?”
   • “What the hell, let’s call off work and go to the beach.”
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   Say “Give ‘em hell!” to wish someone luck. This is a phrase of encouragement, similar to, “Go get ‘em, Tiger!” It’s used to wish someone luck. On the other hand, the phrase “giving someone hell” often refers to when a person is angrily yelling at someone. Here are some examples:

   • “Let’s give ‘em hell on the field today!”
   • “I’m going to give it my all and give ‘em hell!”
   • “My boss gave me hell for showing up late again.”
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   Use hell as an interjection to express anger or shock. When used as an interjection, hell is used to express strong emotion. Depending on the context, it may be used to express anger or surprise, or to add emphasis to a statement. Here are some examples:

   • “Hell, I give up.”
   • “Hell, yeah! That’s awesome!”
   • “Oh, hell! That really hurt.”
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   Say “As hell!” to emphasize a statement. In this case, hell adds emphasis so the statement packs a bigger punch. It’s often used to emphasize a description of something negative, but many phrases also use it positively. Here are some examples:

   • “That was funny as hell!”
   • “I’m tired as hell.”
   • “He’s as stubborn as hell.”
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Section 5 of 6:

Is swearing bad?

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   Some religions teach that cursing is morally wrong. The Bible has verses warning people not to use blasphemy or filthy words. Islam also teaches that cussing and using foul language is a sin.

   • Whether saying hell is a sin or not depends on your personal perspective and religious beliefs. People often interpret religious texts and teachings in different ways, so one person of a certain religion may consider it sinful while another does not.
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   Swearing is a normal part of language learning. Linguistic (language) experts say a child usually utters their first bad word by age 2, and they develop an adult-like curse word vocabulary by age 12. For many people, cursing is a normal part of casual speech, so it isn’t necessarily “bad” or looked down upon. Just remember that context matters!

   • People use curse words around the globe. The words that are considered “bad” vary according to cultural taboos. In Turkey, cursing someone’s ancestors is extremely offensive!
   • If you want to stop your children from cursing, childcare and parenting specialist Kathy Slattengren says, “You’ve gotta look at yourself and be like, ‘Am I swearing? Is that where they’re getting it from?’ As [we] become parents, we need to watch our own language because our kids are going to watch what we say.”
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   Some studies suggest that exposure to curse words can be harmful. Some studies have shown that swear words are powerful and constant exposure to them produces a range of distinctive psychological, physiological, and emotional effects. Excessive swearing may damage relationships and affect how people perceive you. Cursing at yourself or someone else can sometimes lead to negative self-talk and poor self-image, and in extreme cases, may be considered emotionally abusive.

   • On the other hand, other studies have shown that most uses of swear words are not problematic.
   • However, slurs (insulting language that targets demographic groups) are not harmless. Studies show that hearing slurs can cultivate prejudice. Exposure to slurs is also linked to an increase in depression and anxiety. Slurs are extremely offensive and should not be used.
   • Slattengren adds, “It’s so important in a loving relationship to treat each other with respect.” If you’re constantly cursing at or around someone who finds it offensive, they’re not going to feel respected!
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Section 6 of 6:

Are there any benefits to swearing?

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   Cursing lessens sensitivity to physical pain. Studies show that when you swear out loud, you can tolerate pain more easily. Who would have guessed that four little letters could make you feel so good? The hypothesis is that swearing creates a fight-or-flight response, overriding your ability to perceive pain.
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   Swearing improves physical performance. Studies have shown increased strength and endurance in participants who swore while working out. While researchers aren’t sure why cussing can help you do more push-ups, it could again be because swearing promotes a fight-or-flight response, potentially leading to enhanced strength and power.
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   Cussing relieves stress. It’s a way of blowing off steam when you’re upset. Swearing provides an emotional release without any physical aggression. Cursing helps you cope when you’re feeling overwhelmed with emotions and there’s nothing you can do to change your situation. So, don’t feel bad the next time you curse at someone for cutting you off!
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   Swearing with friends is a bonding experience. Cursing can serve a social function as a shared language and a signal that you belong in the group. Studies show that people swear more often when they’re relaxed and with their peers. What’s more fun than breaking taboos with your buddies?
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• Question

  Is saying "living hell" bad if you're at school?

  

  Community Answer

  If you're talking with friends, it's OK. But it's not so good if you're talking to teachers or staff members.

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