Nivul Peh is a serious matter. Does one also sin when one hears nivul peh? A person can’t control other peoples language? Should one show displeasure in hearing it? What if a non-Jew is saying it at work, etc?
Answer:
Unlike lashon hara, there is no formal prohibition in hearing nivul peh, and the Gemara speaks only of those who speak it.
However, hearing foul language, in particular if one hears it often, will lead to a person’s losing his sense of refinement–he will become accustomed to coarse and vulgar speech, and this can have an impact on a person’s general behavior. Therefore, a person should certainly seek to avoid hearing vulgar and foul language, especially on a regular basis.
If possible, displeasure should be expressed, and in general, one should seek to create an environment in which somebody will feel uncomfortable in using foul language.
