<p>I have an essay that uses a single swear word-- the technical term for a female dog. The context is that an old lady calls herself one, and it's taken as a direct quote. </p>
<p>Do you think this is way too risky? Should I try to take it out or use another essay, if possible?</p>
<p>It all depends on your writing style and the context. I’ve seen writers pull off multiple swears in a college essay as it fit in with the overall tone of the essay and the writers personal style. Don’t do it if swearing isn’t you. Otherwise it’ll stick out like a sore thumb and you’d attract negative attention to the essay. They’re not necessarily going to knock off points but they may certainly see your writing in a different and unintended light.</p>
<p>I think that because it is part of a direct quote it is probably not too much of a risk.</p>
<p>I’d say you’re fine. There are ways to swear that are deliberately and intentionally shocking or offensive; this does not seem to be one of them.</p>
<p>It’s fine.</p>