>Kinda starting at the bare bones, except for curse words.

Curse words are not just the 'bare' bones of the Finnish language--they are the heart, the soul and the very meaning of the Finnish language and people. The rest of the language is only a minor addition.

Just master the swearing words and you'll get by.

Interestingly, this is quite a bit like Russian. Just learn the мата and you'll not only 'get by', but you'll have reached your goal.