In the year 1649, authorities implemented stricter laws that included severe penalties for various offenses. Among these was a particularly harsh decree which stated that swearing at a parent could lead to the death penalty. This reflects the extreme measures taken during that time to enforce respect and authority within the family structure.

Bill Bryson, in his book "The Mother Tongue: English and How it Got That Way," highlights this historical context to shed light on the evolution of language and societal norms. The gravity of such laws underscores the significance of familial relationships and the lengths to which society went to maintain order and respect.