The etymology of ‘f ck’ and the war that popularized it U.S. Army Gen. George Patton, left, employed the F-word with great enthusiasm. (Library of Congress via AP) You’re dashing around, running a bit late perhaps, and your pinky toe just happens to connect with the corner of an inanimate object that seemingly just popped up on you despite its relatively permanent and solitary position in your home. Through watering eyes and an emanating pain that doesn’t seem natural for such a small appendage, you let out an anguished “F CK!” It’s practically muscle memory. And yet, most remain unaware of their favorite word’s origins, or the notion that, for many, the F-word become part of the daily lexicon due in large part to service members in World War II.
The etymology of f*ck and the war that popularized it armytimes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from armytimes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.