After losing its appeal to overturn an R-rating, Columbia Pictures will recut James L. Brooks’ “How Do You Know” to eliminate certain language.

Studio wants the romantic comedy film to be released with the less restrictive PG-13 rating. Pic unspools in theaters Dec. 17.

The R-rating was assigned specifically because the word “fuck” is used three times in the film, which stars Reese Witherspoon, Jack Nicholson, Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson. Normally, only one occurrence of the word is acceptable in a PG-13 rated film.

On Thursday, the Classification and Rating Appeals Board upheld the R-rating.

When a rating is upheld, filmmakers have the option of making the changes needed to secure a less restrictive rating and resubmitting the film to CARA.