As a writer, I have a more than passing interest in words. Recently, in a conversation with a few literary friends, we discussed curse words. The general consensus was that the regular use of curse words...your basic "four letter" words...indicates a lack of imagination. A curse word is rude and crude, and there is almost always a more appropriate, interesting, and refined word to take it's place.
That being said, we talked about our favorite curse words; because even though we're against them, and try not to use them; there are times when...well...only an offensive, distasteful, four letter word will do. This reprint of a post from a previous blog is about one of my personal favorites...
I have an inquisitive mind. One might even say…deep thinker. Sometimes a thought pops into my head and I just can’t let it go. Like yesterday morning, I was driving to work, listening to the oldies station. Jet Airliner, by the Steve Miller Band was playing. Do you know it? There is a line in the song: I don’t want to get caught up in any of that funky shit going down in the city. But on FM radio, they have replaced the word “shit” with “kicks.”
Why??? What’s wrong with shit? It’s just a word; and a colorful one at that. Four little letters; but so un-PC. I’d use it more in everyday life, except that it’s so unacceptable. I mean, at work if I said, “please come in and check out our fabulous new shit;" well…you know...
Used as a noun, it’s just poop; doo-doo; excrement; number two. As a verb, it’s a natural bodily function. Or, it can just be stuff. Most often, it is indeed funky stuff; but sometimes it can be really impressive stuff. Shit doesn’t glorify violence, use anyone’s name in vain, or elicit immoral behavior. So why is it so misunderstood? It’s benign; actually quite harmless. But you cringe every time I say it, don’t you?
My conclusion? I think we should stop being so prissy, and elevate shit to its rightful place in the English language. It's so underrated. It's a versatile word; expressive; concise; to the point. So, stop being so squeamish. Give shit a chance. Merde!
C
That being said, we talked about our favorite curse words; because even though we're against them, and try not to use them; there are times when...well...only an offensive, distasteful, four letter word will do. This reprint of a post from a previous blog is about one of my personal favorites...
I have an inquisitive mind. One might even say…deep thinker. Sometimes a thought pops into my head and I just can’t let it go. Like yesterday morning, I was driving to work, listening to the oldies station. Jet Airliner, by the Steve Miller Band was playing. Do you know it? There is a line in the song: I don’t want to get caught up in any of that funky shit going down in the city. But on FM radio, they have replaced the word “shit” with “kicks.”
Why??? What’s wrong with shit? It’s just a word; and a colorful one at that. Four little letters; but so un-PC. I’d use it more in everyday life, except that it’s so unacceptable. I mean, at work if I said, “please come in and check out our fabulous new shit;" well…you know...
Used as a noun, it’s just poop; doo-doo; excrement; number two. As a verb, it’s a natural bodily function. Or, it can just be stuff. Most often, it is indeed funky stuff; but sometimes it can be really impressive stuff. Shit doesn’t glorify violence, use anyone’s name in vain, or elicit immoral behavior. So why is it so misunderstood? It’s benign; actually quite harmless. But you cringe every time I say it, don’t you?
My conclusion? I think we should stop being so prissy, and elevate shit to its rightful place in the English language. It's so underrated. It's a versatile word; expressive; concise; to the point. So, stop being so squeamish. Give shit a chance. Merde!
C
I have often said people use the "four letter"so much because of lack of vocabulary. I agree on the s*** word because that is the one I use the most. I do try not to use it but under certain circumstances it just pops right out. But I never use it in the way I think it was meant to be used like. Excuse me y'all but I really must excuse myself...I need to take a s***.
ReplyDeleteLOL Funny, I only use it in that context when I'm talking about my dogs. ie: "they always choose the most awkward moments to take a s--t."
ReplyDelete