Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Bad Words...

What do you consider a "bad word"? Is it just the major four letter ones that used to never be allowed on TV or radio? Notice I said "used to"...The language broadcast over the airwaves today never ceases to amaze me. Words that have become commonplace and acceptable just a few years ago were never uttered in company much less in front of a microphone! Wasn't all that long ago that if you said one of these words in front of your parents (Mom's especially!), you'd spend time getting up close and personal with a bar of soap...in your mouth!

We all know that this is an issue but let's take it just a little further. Do you find yourself using made up words (yes, I'm guilty) to take the place of the really "bad" ones? Does that make it okay? Even though you don't say the offending word and may use something silly in it's place, the intent is still the same. There is anger or pain in your heart and you are lashing out...everyone knows what you mean. So if using one of these words is considered unacceptable, does using a made up word make it acceptable?

My grandmother once told me that people who use "vulgar" words had not worked to develop their vocabulary enough to able to express themselves without them. The older I get, the more I realize, she was probably right. If you try hard enough, you can express the same thoughts and feelings using only words from the dictionary...and people will listen when they realize what you've managed to say without resorting to using "bad" words.

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