I could write a dictionary here, folks. Truly.
Okay. Words have power.
Anyone who’s ever been bullied or taunted as a child ( or even adult) knows this in their soul. Words can spear you straight through the heart, cut you off at the knees, and slice into your gut.
Late comic George Carlin made a million bucks doing a routine called the 7 Dirty Words. In 1972, he said these 7 words in a comedy club, forever immortalizing them:
Shit, piss, fuck, cunt, cocksucker, motherfucker, and tits.
It is now 2017. 45 years later than when Carlin first spoke those words in public. Since that time, society has shifted in what it deems inappropriate language use. Even just a few years ago you wouldn’t hear commercial television characters uttering anything worse than an occasional “Crap!” as an invective or a curse. In a recent show on NBC, I heard two characters say the second and last words above before the first commercial break. Cable television has no such restrictions on language and I can tell you truthfully, I have heard every one of the above words – and a few more I hate – said without a flinch by the actors.
In America, we live by the law of freedom of speech. It’s a good freedom. We can share opinions that differ, dialogues that intrigue us, and books that elevate and entertain us. And while that basic freedom is challenged every single day, it still stands strong.
But…
There are some words, expressions, and phrases that shouldn’t be said aloud. Remember, words have power to hurt, maim, and incite. As a writer of romantic fiction, there are some words I would never use in a book. You probably think those words are slang ones for things related to the sex act. You would be wrong. I have no problem using words – slang or otherwise – to describe anatomy. What I do have is trouble using words that are mainly pejoratives. Words that do not belong in public speech or on the pages of books.
So…words that make me go “ick.” In no particular order, here they are:
twat, cunt, retard, any variation of the “N” word ( I can’t even write it, it’s so hateful). Any word that is derogatory to an ethnic group ( kike, wop, etc. You know the words I mean) I truly hatehatehate the word MOIST. I shudder when I write it.
Every word mentioned above ( except for moist, because that’s just my own particular hatefest word) is a pejorative. A word that makes me quiver and quake with anger, because they are used in totally negative ways. I see no positive translations in any of those words.
Words that DON’T make me go ick? Any word that falls into this category:
‘Nuff said.
Because this is week 9 of the 52 week MFRW authors blog hop, here are some other authors who are also writing about words that make they go “ick” today. Check them out…
2.
|
|
13.
|
|
19.
|
Couldn’t agree more! I won’t use those words either. Moist doesn’t bother me but my daughter hates it. I’m surprised at how many people despise that word.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always think it’s not the word as much as the connotation of the word. Moist can be sososos many things – negative and positive — to people
LikeLike
I’m with you on ethnic slurs. Carlin’s seven words? Mostly they are juvenile.
LikeLike
Yes, they’re juvenile now. Back then, another story.
LikeLike
Powerful post, kudos to you! Tweeted.
LikeLike
thanks!
LikeLike
Hate for the word ‘moist’ has been mentioned on a couple of blogs today. I can honestly say I never knew anyone disliked it.
LikeLike
Ed, I kinda think you have to be a girl to know why! HeeHee
LikeLike
So true. In a world where you can be anything, be kind!
LikeLike
Heather – words to live by!
LikeLike