Is it okay to throw around a few F-bombs in your writing to spice it up? At what point does it start looking desperate for attention? It’s something most writers have to ask themselves at some point.
As an open-door romance writer, a few F-bombs and penis references come with the territory. A steamy sex scene, riding on the edge of kink and dirty talk, makes it real, and readers eat it up. So why not throw a few f*cks around here and there?
Simple. There is a fine line between strong dialogue and a lack of maturity. Making our voice sound responsible while still hitting the heat mark can make or break a story’s trajectory with readers. There comes a point in a writer’s journey when we have to understand the lines between spice and vulgarity built on shock value. For me, it’s about knowing when those words make the right impact, and not just throwing them in because I can.
Titles and the Buzzword Blues
I found this subject important because today I came across a post in a Facebook writers group that instantly felt cringy. It was the very place where throwing in an F-bomb wasn’t deemed appropriate for the subject matter. Other authors instantly felt it off-putting and inappropriate because the book was regarding healthcare in the nonfiction realm. Words like masogony, rare diagnosis slang terms, and other questionable language seemed to be this author’s go-to, showing a lack of maturity and a mindset unprepared to approach such hard subject matters. Some stories are just not ours to tell if we aren’t prepared mentally to handle them.
This got me thinking about other books I’ve seen using vulgar language in the romance genre, especially in titles. I can’t remember one time I read a title with F*CK thrown around that it was done in a cute way. It didn’t make me think, hey, I want to read that. In fact, each time I was compelled to steer clear because I expected the content of the book to reflect that same pick-me attempt at being edgy.
From private conversations I’ve had with readers and authors in the past, most people feel the same way about keeping it classy. Sure, you might find a few who will jump on the cursing hype bandwagon, but often it’s turning potential readers away who may have otherwise picked it up.
But is a buzzworthy shocker language worth it long term? Most often, probably not. You will get that first rush of readers who want the cultish vibes, but often it will fall flat. Unless you’re well established with a big following, it’s not worth the risk. The facts are that in mainstream publishing, there are almost no bestsellers that actually use the word f*ck in the title, because retail platforms and traditional publishers generally avoid that language due to restrictions on various terms of service. There have been some books in indie/erotica spaces that thrive, but they’re niche and often reported by the author as buried in the Amazon sales dungeon in the long term.
When to Bring the Heat
Okay, so the book’s title isn’t the best place to try to look edgy. But where is the F-bomb okay to drop in?
Simply, in the content of the book, used sparingly. Using it as an impactful point in dialogue or making a strong point for narration, sure. Let them fly. Heck, I have a few foul-mouthed characters in my books, and I love them. But there is a time and place for everything.
Make sure you are using any vulgarities or trendy pop culture words in the right places at the right time, so readers aren’t just bored seeing the same crutch word every three sentences. It becomes repetitive and often can show a lack of creative vocabulary. And it’s not just the curse words. It might be some new word trending online that just doesn’t hit the mark the same in novel writing, and often can even date your book in negative ways. For example, we wouldn’t be saying things like gnarly, tubular, or gag me with a spoon in modern romance unless you were writing an 80s-themed story. Timing is everything.
The holding back for the right time held true while editing a manuscript for a writer friend a couple of years ago. We laughed together at how many appearances of the F-bomb showed up in her writing, with a grand total of 400+ times in one book. To say it was excessive was an understatement. When the majority were removed for redundancy and clarity, her writing was stronger for it. The places that stayed made her characters’ voices hold merit and the story more impactful.
At the end of the day, words have power. The right word can thrill, shock, or amuse, but overuse strips it of impact and risks turning readers away before they even get invested in your story. Use spice deliberately and know your audience because creativity and timing always win over cheap shock value. Every word should earn its moment, and your readers will appreciate you for it.
Loretta Kendall 