Maryland’s Potty Mouth: The Top 5 Curse Words

While the "Old Line State" is known for its hospitality and blue crabs, it appears its vocabulary is just as spicy. Here are the five most frequently used curse words in Maryland.

1. "Shit"

This is the reigning champion of the East Coast. Data consistently shows that Maryland, like many of its neighbors in the Mid-Atlantic, prefers this word above all others. It serves as a linguistic Swiss Army knife—used to describe everything from bad weather to a job well done.

2. "Fuck"

Coming in a very close second, the F-word is the "all-purpose" verb of Maryland streets. Whether it's being yelled during a traffic jam on I-95 or used as an intensifier at a Ravens or Orioles game, this word accounts for a massive percentage of the State total profanity count. In Baltimore specifically, it is often woven into sentences with such regularity that it becomes almost rhythmic.

3. "Ass"

Whether it's the word itself or its many variations (asshole, dumbass, jackass), this term is a staple in the Maryland vernacular. It is frequently the go-to insult for impaired drivers—a topic Marylanders are notoriously passionate about—and is often paired with specific regional frustrations.

4. "Damn"

Despite the State high profanity ranking, Marylanders often land on the "milder" side of the swearing spectrum for emphasis. "Damn" remains a high-frequency filler word, used frequently for reaction without the aggressive bite of higher-tier slurs. It's a standard linguistic bridge in the more conservative suburbs of Annapolis and the Eastern Shore.

5. "Bitch"

Rounding out the top five is a word that sees heavy usage across the Mid-Atlantic border states. In Maryland, it is often used both as a derogatory insult and, occasionally, in a more casual or familiar context among close friends, mirroring broader linguistic trends in urban centers like D.C. and Baltimore.

Why Is Maryland So Foul-Mouthed?

Researchers suggest that Maryland's high ranking comes from a unique cultural blend. As a state that sits at the crossroads of the North and the South, Maryland inherits the blunt, fast-paced speech patterns of the Northeast and the expressive, emotive vocabulary of the South.

• The Baltimore Factor: Baltimore's profanity rate is significantly higher than the national average, which often skews the State overall data.
• The Honesty Connection: Interestingly, studies have shown a positive correlation between high profanity rates and honesty. Marylanders may swear more, but they are also ranked among the most transparent and straightforward communicators in the country.

Fun Fact: Despite the frequent cursing, Maryland often ranks high in "courtesy" studies. It seems Marylanders are perfectly capable of holding a door open for you while dropping an F-bomb in the same breath.