Should I consider this a red flag?

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My boyfriend uses the word "saala" very frequently. Should I consider that a red flag?

For example, during an argument, he said, "Don't you freaking understand?"

We had a heated fight. I had been acting distant for about a week, and I was already upset with him the previous day. I even called him an idiot. Later that night, he apologized by doing sit-ups, but I still didn't forgive him.

The next morning, I was still acting distant and wasn't talking to him properly. He then said, "Don't you freaking understand? My father has been taken away by the police, and you're still creating drama."

He told me that the word "saala" is very common where he comes from and that people use it casually, almost like saying "damn" or "freaking." He said he doesn't consider it abusive because his mother uses it frequently too, so he has grown up hearing and using it as a habt

The Hindi word "saala" (साला) literally means "brother-in-law" (specifically, your wife's brother).

However, in everyday speech, it is often used as a mild swear word or insult, depending on the context and tone. Its meaning can vary:

Literal: "My brother-in-law."

Casual/frustrated: "Damn," "bloody," or used for emphasis (e.g., "Saala traffic!").

Directed at someone: "Tumko saala samajh nahi aata kya?" translates roughly to "What the hell is wrong with you? Don't you understand?" or "Don't you bloody understand?" In this context, it's insulting and disrespectful, though it's generally considered less severe than stronger Hindi abuses like "MC" or "BC."

So, "saala" is a swear word in many situations, especially when said directly to a person in anger, but its severity depends on the relationship, tone, and context. Among close friends, some people use it jokingly, while in an argument it is usually meant as an insult..