Monday, June 07, 2010

Weird Blank and Blanking Great

Language changes — a lot. In an email to my daughter the other day, I actually went so far as to step out of character and use the expression "Weird S" (where S is short for a certain four letter word).

I was speaking of her son, my grandson, who had a severe meltdown early that morning but was happy and charming thereafter. It took two TWs* to stop the meltdowns, but then he reverted to the very good Zach. So, I wrote "Weird S" because that's what the change was — totally weird and inexplicable.

In this sense, although I guess it can mean stuff, the S-word is almost meaningless in terms of its original sense. I suspect that when you consider how it's commonly used that has been true for quite some time. To me, it's meaning is pretty well empty in and of itself itself as I simply used it as a strong modifier: a way of adding just a whole lot of emphasis to its companion word: ie really really extraordinarily weird.

Then, after an otherwise fine morning, he slept for more than three hours. Although I kept this comment to myself at the time, I did think that was "Effing Great" (where the real word was not effing if you catch my drift) to enjoy such a break on a tired day. Once again, for me it became an emphasis word, totally removed from its original meaning as in so super duper wonderfully great.

Now, I'm not exactly a potty-mouthed sort of guy, and I personally wouldn't use those words a lot, and even then I would be careful about to whom I might express them. I wouldn't say them here for example, and I even hesitate to even write about this at all, even in this euphemistic manner. However, I can't seem to help myself from remarking at how the language continues to evolve and that even normally pure and circumspect moi can sometimes drawn into the more common vernacular.

In fact I find it effing amazing!

*Note1: Therapeutic Withdrawal in this case involved putting the boy in his crib for a while, not to sleep but just gather himself. He doesn't mind being there, and it seems to calm him. Some educators use the term as a euphemism of sorts for what used to be called a suspension.

**Note2: This blog will now return to its blasé and predictable use of language. In the meantime, please pardon my French.

11 comments:

Jinksy said...

TW over here becoms TO - time out!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Just wondering whatever happened to the old "go sit in the corner" as a form of TW.

Donna said...

I just can't bring myself to "say" them here Either...I like Friggin'...Lolol...or Flippin'.
Sounds like You need some more "time Off"!!Hahaa...
Go have some Fun!!
hughugs

Anonymous said...

One of my favorite co-workers was a real tough nurse from Eastern Ky. (Meaning the mountains )and she could match any sailor.
She had the worse mouth I had ever come in contact with. I would use words like 'Sugar foot' for another phrase beginning with s and f or other things. She would say to me 'You might as well say what you mean since that is what you are thinking.'
Well she sure had to learn better in a bustling office with pros all around. LOL
QMM

Mara said...

I saw a photo in the newspaper this morning: our Prime Minister and an elderly lady were both wearing black t-shirts with big white letters: F**K Drugs!

He is supposed to be from a Christian party as well...

Tossing Pebbles in the Stream said...

Speaking of "pardoning your French", if your are uncomfortable with expletives in Anglo-Saxon four letter words, you might consider switching to using French such words.
You might be more comfortable with French blaspheming language than with Anglo-Saxon bodily functions.

Bernie said...

Oh A/C we have all used words at times when we normally wouldn't ever think to do so.....you are right, that slang is in right now and we are bound to pick up on it especially when talking to the younger generation.....it is okay A/C....s happens.......:-)Hugs

Ginnie said...

I am not one to ever use the "F" word except for ONE TIME while working in the ER. I was fed up & told the nurse to get her big, fat, F_____g butt over to her patient who was in pain. There was a dead silence after I said that and then one of the other nurses said, in a low, sad voice "Oh, that was just as if my Mother had said that".
Needless to say I felt miserable !!

Kila said...

Swearing in guttural German is effective for relieving stress.

Good for you for using the crib to calm the little monster.

Judy said...

We have a darling little 2 1/2 year old around here who INSISTS on saying poopy and boobies. It's like it runs on a loop, all day long.
Her mommy isn't pleased with this, but I guess it could be worse. Somehow, bowel movement and breasts just don't sound as funny.

Anonymous said...

It used to be that these particular words added shock value.. but not so much anymore, Although I suppose that still depends upon the crowd. :-)

TWs.. I am certainly getting more acquainted with that term, especially with two 18 month olds as frequent visitors. :-)