Excessive Cussing in Public, You Could go to Jail in Texas

(Lindale, Texas) - Sadly, cussing has become an accepted form of communication. I've also noticed that certain shows or movies on various streaming services lean heavily into cursing as a part of their scripts. It makes those shows and movies almost unwatchable.

What's interesting is that the use of cuss or swear words can be a criminally punishable offense. No, if you use a cuss word in a public setting around a police officer, you won't be ticketed or arrested. However, if you do use those cuss words in a certain way, you can be arrested.

Excessive Cussing Can Get You Arrested

Not a single one of us is perfect, including myself. As much as we try to be patient and understanding in a public environment, there comes a time when that patience wears out and we could lash out. Part of that lashing out could be a physical altercation or using a variety of cuss words.

While cussing in public isn't against the law, the use of cuss words in an aggressive or threatening manner could lead to police putting you in cuffs and charges being brought against you (mcconathylaw.com). The use of cuss words in an aggressive or threatening manner in a public setting can be considered disorderly conduct which is a class C misdemeanor punishable with up to a $500 fine. Obviously, if you take it beyond that, then the penalties do increase.

For instance, if you brandish a firearm, that can go up to a class B misdemeanor which can result in some jail time. Same thing if you fire a weapon into the air or start a fist fight with someone in public.

According to Tex. Penal Code § 42.01, an individual can be charged with disorderly conduct if they intentionally or knowingly:
Use abusive, indecent, profane, or vulgar language in a public place and the language alone can cause an immediate breach of peace. These types of words can include cursing, cuss words, or racial slurs.

Cussing in Public in Texas

I used to be one of those who would cuss A LOT. I stayed away from the GD word and saying Jesus Christ out of frustration because God and Jesus are not cuss words, they are our Lord and Savior and should not be used in that manner (Exodus 20:7, Ephesians 4:29).

For me, cussing became annoying to say and to hear. Having said that, I still have to work every day to not cuss for no reason at all.