Thread: God's Name

Originally Posted by Misha Tal

I've noticed that many Russians use the name of God rather freely, as if it's no taboo at all (contrary to the English culture). If I understand correctly, "О Боже мой!" doesn't precisely translate to "Oh my God!": the former is perfectly acceptable, the latter is almost cursing.

Is that so? Is "using God's name in vain" considered disrespectful/rude/vulgar in any way similar to the way it is English?

Using word "god" and all corresponding names in vain is quite normal in colloquial speech in Russian. According to Hollywood movies it is also quite normal in USA. And according to the text of "Arabian nights" it is also quite normal in Islamic tradition. Russian Jews use something like "Б-г" instead of "Бог", which looks funny.