George Brett sure caused a stir this week when he let some colorful language fly during an on-camera interview with a Kansas City TV station.

Brett, the Royals baseball legend, was defending the baseball club’s manager. But the words he used perhaps got more attention than his message.

Brett might not be the only one letting some four-letter words fly right now. An expert on cursing says the economy might be leading more people to have a vulgar vocabulary.

“I don’t know that swearing has increased because of unemployment and poor economic conditions, but my speculation is yes,” says James O’Connor, author of “Cuss Control,” a book that examines the growing use of profanity and its impact on society.

The reasons are varied, from job loss to general anxiety about these tough times. And when stress levels soar, darn, dang and fiddlesticks just don’t have the same impact as, say, the F-word.

But there are some drawbacks to the trend. On his Web site, www.cusscontrol.com, O’Connor lists many reasons people should give up on swearing, such as:

• It gives a bad impression.

• It makes you unpleasant to be with.

• It is disrespectful of others

• It turns discussions into arguments.

“It’s a matter of attitude,” says O’Connor. “Don’t take out your frustrations on your family, other drivers or anyone else.”

O’Connor lists 10 tips for curbing cursing on his Web site. The hardest one is probably the most important one: work at it. It isn’t easy to give up swearing altogether. It takes time and concerted effort by the individual.

Marciana Vequist, a psychologist at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center in Lawrence, says prevention is the key to dealing with stress. If one has a healthy mind and body, he or she can handle stress better than others and can avoid turning to unhealthy behaviors and coping mechanisms, such as drinking in excess, overeating and yes, cursing.

“It’s all about balance,” she says. “If we are taking care of ourselves, we’ll be less likely to suffer from the experience of stress.”

Vequist says she hadn’t particularly noticed more cursing because of current economic conditions, but that in general, cursing has become more acceptable in society.

Deborah Fraser of Lawrence says she’s noticed that, too.

“I don’t like it,” she says of swearing in general. “It’s degrading, and it demotes the value of words. I do hear a lot more of it, though.”

Andi Kepick admits she’s been cursing more than usual, especially since she was laid off last month.

“Unfortunately, yes, I have been cursing a lot,” she says. “I find it cathartic in a way. When I’m having a bad day or when I’m feeling a lot of pressure from my job situation, I just cuss. I can’t help it.”

But that might be OK.

“Every once in a while, blowing off some steam with a string of curse words can help,” says Vequist, the psychologist at Bert Nash. “But, of course, you have to be careful where you do that.”

CUT OUT THE CUSSING

Ten tips to control cussing, from James O’Connor, author of “Cuss Control” and www.cusscontrol.com:

1. Recognize that swearing does damage.

You really don’t win an argument by swearing. You don’t prove that you are smart or articulate. You don’t earn respect or admiration. You don’t motivate, you intimidate. Swearing doesn’t get you hired, promoted, or romantically connected.

2. Start by eliminating casual swearing.

Pretend that your sweet little grandmother or your young daughter is always next to you.

3. Think positively.

A positive mental attitude not only eliminates lots of swearing, it brings you contentment and brightens your personality.

4. Practice being patient.

When you are stuck in line or in traffic, ask yourself if a few more minutes matters. Be honest — does it really matter? If so, and you have no control of the situation, plan the rest of your day or do the thinking that you say you never have time to do.

5. Cope, don’t cuss.

Consider even the smallest annoyance a challenge, and feel proud of yourself for taking care of it cheerfully and efficiently.

6. Stop complaining.

Before you start griping or whining about something, remind yourself of a very important reality: No one wants to hear it!

7. Use alternative words.

English is a colorful language, but chronic cursers repeatedly use the same, unimaginative words that have been around for centuries. Take the time to develop your own list of alternatives to the nasty words you now use, relying on your own intelligence, a thesaurus, good books and even some of the more clever TV shows.

8. Make your point politely.

Some substitute words can be just as offensive if your tone is abrasive or you insult someone. Think of the response to what you are about to say, and decide if you need to reword your statement to be more effective.

9. Think of what you should have said.

It is easy to blurt out a swear word at an inappropriate time, or to bark out a tactless or tasteless remark before you have a chance to consider the impact. Think of what you could have said. After you shout an expletive, simply say the tamer word you wished you had said.

10. Work at it.

Breaking the swearing habit might prove to be no easier that losing weight, giving up cigarettes, or correcting any other habit. It takes practice, support from others, and a true desire to be a better person — not only by controlling your language, but the emotions that prompt you to swear.