what damage can words do to a well adjusted individual

Damage? Probably not. Offend? Oh yes.

The Oscar Wilde quote comes to mind: "A gentleman never offends unintentionally". So if you want to have any social or professional contact with people, better know in advance what would offend them, either to avoid insulting them or to deliberately insult them. If you insult someone unintentionally, you've just screwed up - especially if they happen to be your customer or your boss.

Graham.