not-to-long ago ("balderdash", for example, was a somewhat strident curse
not heard in polite company).
"Curse words" in general are only "bad" because we've decided them to be:
the source of most of these words (at least in English) was actually a class
distinction. Words common (base, but not vulgar) to the lower classes
became "bad" words.
If you can catch it there was actually a great episode of "Penn and Teller:
Bullshit" on this very topic. There was also a really good documentary
called "Nigger" which explored the origins and current use of that word -
really fascinating. That one, especially, is causing quite a generational
rift. Most "bad words" just slowly become more acceptable, racial slurs on
the other hand carry significant baggage much, much longer.
Altogether it's a really fascinating subject.
Jim Davis
From: Michael Dinowitz [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 5:12 PM
To: CF-Community
Subject: Language today
What is it with people today? I'm listening to people I work with and they
use language that years ago would not be considered appropriate, especially
in a work environment. Then, when the 3 year old son of one of the owners
comes in, the language does not change. When were the rules changed to allow
'curse words' into the vocabulary along side normal ones?
I hear kids calling each other nigger, mother fucker, etc. When did these
become terms of endearment? When did the rules of proper speech get thrown
out? Was it when parents were stopped from washing their childrens mouths
out with soap? And how does this excuse the adults? When did the rules
change and why? (and more importantly, how can we change them back?)
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