Words Just Too Dirty to Say Out Loud

[medea]

Get a bar of soap. Wash your mouth out. This is how bad our language has gotten: Only a handful of words are so foul-mouthed and truly awful that they can be considered taboo, according to the authors of the new edition of the Collins English Dictionary, which is published in Great Britain.

In fact, there are only 16 such words left in the English language. You can guess one of them. It begins with an "f."

London's Telegraph newspaper says the rest have been downgraded to mere "slang." In fact, these same editors predict that the asterisks writers use to soften taboo words in print will soon become an historical nicety. No ****!

To come to this radical conclusion that there are only 16 really nasty words left in our language, the editors of the Collins English Dictionary examined hundreds of millions of words that are used by the media. The reasoning is that if a word is commonly uttered by TV reporters or written by newspaper journalists, then it's acceptable in everyday conversation. Jeremy Butterfield, the dictionary's editor, told The Telegraph, "There is a certain amount of subjectivity about this. It is not automatically the case that repeated use 'de-taboos' words. It's to do with the majority view that such-and-such a word is not acceptable. There can be new taboo words, not ones to do with body parts, but ones addressing race or sexuality."

When we hear these bad words on television, it has an interesting effect, according to a British media watchdog group called Mediawatch-uk: It devastates our communication skills. "Far from there being a natural evolution in language, there has been a consistent effort to promote obscenity, swearing, and profanity against the wishes of most people," Mediawatch-uk said in a statement. "The effect of this on educational standards and communication skills has been devastating."

And that's part of the point: We curse in order to shock. But we've cursed so much, it's lost it's ability to shock. There was a time not too long ago when it was just not acceptable to curse. Parents didn't swear at their kids, and kids--if they had any sense at all--didn't swear (within earshot) of their parents. Teachers didn't swear at their students. Coaches never swore--publicly. And remember those seven words that were never ever uttered on television? Yeah, you can hear them almost every night now on your favorite cable TV shows. Something has changed.

James O'Connor says that what we say and how we say it is a reflection of who we are. And we don't look so fine right now. To that end, O'Connor has founded the Cuss Control Academy in Lake Forest, Illinois and written a book called "Cuss Control."

O'Connor has devised the cure for the common curse:

10 Tips for Taming Your Tongue
Recognize that swearing does damage.
Start by eliminating casual swearing.
Think positively.
Practice patience.
Cope, don't cuss.
Stop complaining.
Seek alternative words.
Make your point politely.
Think of what you should have said instead.
Work at it.

And it never hurts to hear Mom's voice in your head telling you to mind your mouth.

http://channels.netscape.com/ns/news/package.jsp?name=fte/taboowords/taboowords

[janey]

so what exactly are the 16 words?

[job]

Originally posted by übergeek
so what exactly are the 16 words?

Well, we can't really post them here now can we. ;) :p

[janey]

Originally posted by job
Well, we can't really post them here now can we. ;) :p
haha true...but nobody is posting those 16 words anywhere and I'd really love to know what they are..but i have a clue as to what some of them are.

[MrMacMan]

Originally posted by übergeek
haha true...but nobody is posting those 16 words anywhere and I'd really love to know what they are..but i have a clue as to what some of them are.

Yeah I mean some would be obvious, but 16?

Hm... supprised they haven't been posted anywhere... :confused:

[iJon]

well after much research i found out that all 16 words start with * and end with *.

iJon

[MrMacMan]

Originally posted by iJon
well after much research i found out that all 16 words start with * and end with *.

iJon

Does the forums even have 16 asterisked words?

I would have thought less...

[Durandal7]

I'm getting curious as to what the 16 are. I am willing to guess that almost all of them refer to genitalia.

[Abstract]

C***!!! :o Take it to be whatever you want it to be. I think there are at least a couple of words starting with the letter "c" that always get a rise out of people.

The "f" word is another one.....it says so in the article.

[mod. edit - No politics.]

[robbieduncan]

But what about words that are totally clean, but have really filthy connotations?

Examples include girth and chafe. If is almost impossible to say these without people thinking you are being rude!

[Lyle]

Originally posted by robbieduncan
But what about words that are totally clean, but have really filthy connotations?

Examples include girth and chafe. If is almost impossible to say these without people thinking you are being rude! For some reason this reminded me of an old Monty Python sketch, "Are You Embarrassed Easily?" (http://www.phespirit.info/montypython/are_you_embarrassed_easily.htm) :)

[jefhatfield]

it's prolly all genitalia

without genatalia, none of us would be posting here

[mactastic]

I wonder how many of them actually have 4 letters.

[jefhatfield]

i think they come in all lengths

in some contexts, shorter words like box, or longer words like pecker could be inappropriate in general conservation

[redAPPLE]

1. ****
2. *******
3. *****
4. ******
5. *********
6. ******
7. ********
8. ******
9. ****** ****
10. ****** *****
11. *************
12. ********
13. *****
14. ******
15. ******** *****
16. *********

:D

[pEZ]

I'd imagine 7 of them are those used in George Carlin's sketch "7 Dirty Words You Can't Say on Television", which of course are s, p, f, c, cs, mf, and t. And five of those 7 have 4 letters :D

[evoluzione]

it's true that we've become desensitised to bad language, i am trying to cut down on my usage of it, my mouth is filthy, i swear all the time, and i don't like that i do either. yes it has it's place sometimes, but in general every day conversation it ain't good. here in america everything is messed up, i was watching the travel channel and they blur out any shots of a woman showing too much of her rear in a bikini. yet i can wake up in the morning to kiss fm and hear the dj say the N word every sentence, and if i was to say that in nyc, i'd probably get the stuffing knocked out of me. that's one word that should NOT be on the radio or TV fo shizzle

[WinterMute]

I'm with evo here, my language is terrible generally, I try to moderate it in lectures, but with limited success, one of my students approached me last year after a particularly fruity studio session, and asked me wether it was necessary to swear so much in class, to which my (genuine) response was "F*ck, yes":eek:

It's got to the stage where the students will respond to things like "This compressor is bolloxed" with the chorused response "Thats a technical phrase, obviously". The joys of higher education.

I don't think bad language is as affecting as it used to be, anyone whose ever been to a football match will know all 16 mentioned above and a few more besides.

I knew the case was lost when c*nt was being used regularly on the BBC:D

[voicegy]

Originally posted by WinterMute
I knew the case was lost when c*nt was being used regularly on the BBC:D

The "c" word, that refers to a part of the female anatomy, to me is one of the most vile words one can utter, way worse than the "f" word, which has so many uses and connotations. I'm very surprised that the BBC "regularly" utters it...it is considered very rude and shocking here in the states, and usually reserved for reference to a female who is considered an EXTREME "b" (female dog)

Odd how a "slang" for one of the most desired female parts of the human body to heterosexual men became such an angry, vile slur.:confused:

[WinterMute]

Strangely the use of the "C" word, (for our sensitive US brethren;) ) has become almost a term of enderment in many parts of the UK, it's not an unusual word, and can be heard on TV with some regularity.

It's rarely used to describe anything to do with women, and is still mostly an insult man to man, although like the "N" word amongst the gangs, it's a form of familiarity.

The use of w*anker amuses me, a lot of other countries don't use it and don't understand it, the US is beginning to catch on though, much the same for b*llocks and b*gger, and other amusing English epithets.

[Doctor Q]

The Department of Motor Vehicles keeps a list of dirty words so they can disallow them on license plates. It includes offensive words in many languages. I wonder how often Joe X, for some last name X, is unable to get his own name on a plate because it's an offensive word in a language he doesn't even know.

[medea]

well to be honest the only dirty word I say often is the S word for, um, poo. Other than that I keep it pretty clean, but it nerves me when I'm talking to someone and every other word is F this or that. When and why did the F word become so funny to some people?
I guess it really depends on what area/region you live in, I mean even though the stereotypical British are very eloquent and articulate in lower level areas the language is as dirty as anywhere here, if not more so. Same goes for France.
It's true though, your language is part of your image and if you don't mind looking like a filthy idiot then I guess you wouldn't be worried.....

[BaghdadBob]

Oh yes, the C word is about one of the least acceptable words in American culture. I mean, I'm pretty hardened, and have been known to sling together profanities that really shouldn't go together -- at length -- but even I cringe when I hear that word.

There was a time when I was a pizza guy and a new guy came back and was talking about some older lady he had delivered to, and over something stupid he called her a c***. I thought that was pretty damned foul, and the guy had been cussing like a sailor since I met him, none of which had made me take pause. Except, of course, when someone cusses like a sailor and you don't even know them it speaks volumes about their level of class.

Really, the reason it seems so vile is because it is a dual slur for, basically, b****+vagina=nasty b**** whore.

It's all in the colloquial usage. You can't expect these things to line up in any reasonable way internationally...

--------

On the "how these things are a reflection of yourself" it often amazes me when coworkers of mine look at me sidewise and express shock when they hear me cuss -- "Did you just swear?!?" This is generally due to the fact that they will have known me for months sometimes without hearing any profanity come out of my mouth...and usually it's females. It's a matter of class, IMO. I do my share, often way more than my share, but there's a time, place, and company.

It makes it much easier when you're coaching kids football and you need to remember to say "dagnabbit" and "doggonnit'... :)

[scem0]

Cuss words are stupid. They are just words - who cares.

If you truly want to insult someone, the best way is with ordinary words. A good example is Horace and his use of simple diction in the most insulting way.

Cuss words are becoming slang - who the **** cares? Yeah i'll call someone a bitch and not feel guilty - it already IS slang. Same with words like ****, *****, and cock.

I don't think anybody should get their panties all tied up in a knot over cuss words - there are more serious things to worry about.

scem0

[BaghdadBob]

Right, not a really big deal, but basically -- especially with the amazing flexibility of f*** -- when it becomes a replacement for normal language you have a problem.

I said this on another thread, and it is widely held to be true: English is the most expressive language in the world. Ergo, one should be able to express oneself very easily without constantly resorting to slang.

When you have a person who cannot get through a sentance without saying "f***" you have a person you wouldn't want around ladies and children, and also someone who obviously does not know how to express themselves with our gloriously flexible language without inserting completely unnecessary epithets, slang, or ejaculatory language.

The ability to communicate efficiently, eloquently, and expressively is a way of showing intelligence and class. Like obfuscatingly deliberate and multi-syllabic verbiage, expletives should be used in moderation for the desired effect, unless the effect one is going for is the impression that they do not know how to control their tounge.

"You never know just how you look through other people's eyes..."

[edit:] scem0, you seem to be awfully bitter lately, or is it just me?

[bennetsaysargh]

ah! too many of these****
way to f***in any of them.
cursing isn't a big deal anymore. i remember i didn't start cursing untill 7th grade, now im in 9th. i now know 4th graders cursing just as much as me. i thought curses couldn't mean less, but wait untill you hear a 4th grader call you a f**k a**.
what is this world coming to?

[Doctor Q]

Many swear words have a more politically correct version, so if you want to remain a bit more polite, say "what the heck?", "aww, shoot!", "darn it!", etc.

[MrMacMan]

Tell me british people, how does the BBC used C**t in a sentence?

I mean, It sounds degrading... meh.

[voicegy]

Originally posted by BaghdadBob
The ability to communicate efficiently, eloquently, and expressively is a way of showing intelligence and class. Like obfuscatingly deliberate and multi-syllabic verbiage, expletives should be used in moderation for the desired effect, unless the effect one is going for is the impression that they do not know how to control their tounge.

Yeah, what HE said! I swoon before your impressive way with the language!

Originally posted by BaghdadBob
"You never know just how you look through other people's eyes..."

Exactly.:)

[BaghdadBob]

Originally posted by voicegy
Yeah, what HE said! I swoon before your impressive way with the language!
BWUAHAHAHAHA! I r00l U!

[WinterMute]

Originally posted by MrMacman
Tell me british people, how does the BBC used C**t in a sentence?

I mean, It sounds degrading... meh.

It's usually used in conversational context in late night film or drama, just as it would be used in reality:

"he's a c**t"

"your'e a c**t"

"how you doin' you old c**t?"

That kind of charming, witty stuff.

Swearing does display a lack of creative thought generally, but sometimes there is no substitute for a string of expletives.

Creative cussing is the domain of the linguistic genius anyway.

[crenz]

Originally posted by BaghdadBob
I said this on another thread, and it is widely held to be true: English is the most expressive language in the world.

Well, English does have a large vocaublary, but I've always had the impression that people don't like to use it. I find that in normal conversation or e.g. newspaper articles, people use a much larger vocabulary and more fine nuances in German (my native language) than in English. But then, my perception could be wrong.

Would be interesting to look at some average vocabulary statistics for different languages.

[kiwi_the_iwik]

The Douglas Adams book -

The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy

mentions that the word "BELGIUM" is the most disgusting, degrading and insulting word in the Universe.

Having been there, I happen to agree with him (it's full of European Polititians...)

;)

[Abstract]

Originally posted by WinterMute

The use of w*anker amuses me, a lot of other countries don't use it and don't understand it, the US is beginning to catch on though, much the same for b*llocks and b*gger, and other amusing English epithets.

I don't even know why asterisked the words wanker, bollocks, and bugger(?). ;) Wanker is bad, but not bad enough to be considered a bad word. Neither is bollocks. Its rude, but not even as rude as some of the common swear words used regularly, nowadays.

[BaghdadBob]

You know, I happen to find the British alternative to some of our American standard profanities to be generally preferrable.

I guess to me it comes down to speaking without being vulgar, and that is very much a cultural thing. "Wanker," "bullocks," and "bugger" over here just aren't considered to be vulgar even if you know what they mean (which so many don't), unlike c**t, which most everyone knows, and, over here, is considered penultimately vulgar.

I also like "poofter."

"Rule number two: NO POOFTERS!" ;)

Or is that rule one? :confused:

Off-topic, any Aussies around here who can tell me what that salty black goo you guys put on toast is? My geography teacher who had taught in Austrailia had those of us who were brave enough try it, and I kinda liked it.

[King Cobra]

Strange, I found 437 such words... (http://www.cusswords.com/details.php?id=30)

[MrMacMan]

Originally posted by King Cobra
Strange, I found 437 such words... (http://www.cusswords.com/details.php?id=30)

most of that is slang... but
"arvo _
+ afternoon"
Even though I have no idea what an arvo is they say afternoon, which I question because how are you going to bloody use that in a sentence?
'God I hate this arvo' ? That is just plain weird.

And another thing, alot derive from the same basis. The famed 4 letter 'F' Curse, well because it has its own category because you can use it as any part of the sentence, a ajective, a verb, a adverb... EVERYTHING. And alot of words derive, if you ad a 'er' to it you apparently get a new word?

I mean why does 'a--wipe' need 3 different mentions? :confused:

But thanks for the link.

[Doctor Q]

In Britain, just how dirty are the words git and bloody? Are they acceptable most of the time (when not in audience with the Queen), or are they always frowned upon in semi-polite company?

[bennetsaysargh]

you say "bloody hell!" in America, and you get looked at like an odd odd person. or at least you do in school:p

[BaghdadBob]

Originally posted by Doctor Q
In Britain, just how dirty are the words git and bloody? Are they acceptable most of the time (when not in audience with the Queen), or are they always frowned upon in semi-polite company?
Yes! That's the word I was trying to think of that, last time I checked, was considered at least marginally impolite, where nobody thinks anything of it over here. I too am interested to know what the status of "bloody" is in the UK.

[Doctor Q]

We'll have to be patient, B-Bob. The British MacRumors members might just be sleeping since it is 4:30 in the morning in London.

[BaghdadBob]

Originally posted by Doctor Q
We'll have to be patient, B-Bob. The British MacRumors members might just be sleeping since it is 4:30 in the morning in London.
Now look, I had to explain three times to my coworkers on Friday that I am not a patient man, and I don't want to have to repeat myself again. What? They don't have phones? Someone wake their limey arses up and tell them BaghdadBob wants answers, right now, and he's sick of waiting for a bunch of snotty Brits to get their damned beauty sleep.

It's like I'm talking to a freaking wall around here. Throw me a frickin bone here!! I just wanted some sharks with laser beams, is that too much to ask?

;) :D

[MrMacMan]

Originally posted by BaghdadBob

It's like I'm talking to a freaking wall around here. Throw me a frickin bone here!! I just wanted some sharks with laser beams, is that too much to ask?

;) :D

Yes, yes it is Doctor Evil.

Sorry if I said bloody and people were amazed or thought like I meant it or something, though I haven't been to the U.K in 2 years so I'm not sure if it will or will not go over well there.

[voicegy]

Originally posted by BaghdadBob
I also like "poofter."

"Rule number two: NO POOFTERS!" ;)
Or is that rule one? :confused:

Grrrr...I don't like that word; it would be very difficult to have our Pride parade this weekend renamed to Poof Pride.:p

Originally posted by BaghdadBob
Off-topic, any Aussies around here who can tell me what that salty black goo you guys put on toast is? My geography teacher who had taught in Austrailia had those of us who were brave enough try it, and I kinda liked it.

Do you mean This?:eek: Eeecch! Me mum likes it too...she's British.

[kiwi_the_iwik]

Originally posted by BaghdadBob
Off-topic, any Aussies around here who can tell me what that salty black goo you guys put on toast is? My geography teacher who had taught in Austrailia had those of us who were brave enough try it, and I kinda liked it.

Actually, it's:

VEGEMITE

Marmite is the poor man's alternative, and tastes nowhere NEAR as good...

Great on toast, not bad as an additive in a casserole (a bit like an OXO cube).

We antipodeans can get it in the UK now - it's probably been released in the US as well.

It's full of Vitamin B (2, 6 & 12), which is great to recouperate with after a hangover. AND, it was made famous in that song by Men At Work - Down Under...


Buying bread from a man in Brussels
He was 6'4", full of muscles
I said "do you speaka my language?"
He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich.

And he said:

"I come from a Land Down Under,
where women blow and men chunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder -
You'd better run, you'd better take cover..."



Sorry - couldn't resist it...

;)

[kiwi_the_iwik]

Sorry to double-post - but this came to my attention regarding language usage...

http://www.o--o--o.com/english.swf

Watch and learn...

[BaghdadBob]

Originally posted by voicegy
Grrrr...I don't like that word; it would be very difficult to have our Pride parade this weekend renamed to Poof Pride.:p
No offense, I like it more for demeanor inferrence than sexuality, kinda like I might use the word "flamer" to refer to someone irregardless of their sexual preference, just based on their personality.

I've had a couple of friends I'd call flamers even though I never could quite decide what their orientation is..."poofter" kinda has the same sound to me, but I've never lived where it has any widespread usage.

[MrMacMan]

Originally posted by kiwi_the_iwik
Sorry to double-post - but this came to my attention regarding language usage...

http://www.o--o--o.com/english.swf

Watch and learn...
Yeah I have seen that, the 'F' word is very versatile.

We should have more words like that, that can be used for anything.

BTW, for younger readers I wouldn't click the link.

[Rower_CPU]

It's too bad the whole thing is riddled with spelling mistakes...really detracts from the scholarly presentation. :p

[Doctor Q]

Originally posted by Doctor Q
In Britain, just how dirty are the words git and bloody? Are they acceptable most of the time (when not in audience with the Queen), or are they always frowned upon in semi-polite company? kiwi_the_iwik: can you answer this pending question?

And shouldn't it be "kiwi_theht_iwik"?

[scoutmd]

"In certain trying circumstances, urgent circumstances, desperate circumstances, profanity furnishes a relief denied even to prayer."
--- Mark Twain

[bennetsaysargh]

Originally posted by MrMacman
Yeah I have seen that, the 'F' word is very versatile.

We should have more words like that, that can be used for anything.

BTW, for younger readers I wouldn't click the link.

oh well. read your post too late. it's not like i don't use the word. it's kinda hard not to when you're doing normal stuff in school and around the neighborhood.
although i don't curse in front of little kids.

[MrMacMan]

Originally posted by Rower_CPU
It's too bad the whole thing is riddled with spelling mistakes...really detracts from the scholarly presentation. :p
Haha, I think they should have learned from skool better also!
They how could?!?!?!

Originally posted by bennetsaysargh
oh well. read your post too late. it's not like i don't use the word. it's kinda hard not to when you're doing normal stuff in school and around the neighborhood.
although i don't curse in front of little kids.
Eh, its ok, no one really ever puts warnings on links anymore...
And the kids thing was a little... strange, I would have atleast expected teens.

[kiwi_the_iwik]

Humblest apologies for the lack of warning...


Still - you turn on the television, or walk down the street, and you're highly likely to hear profanity even FAR more colourful than the "F" word...

I mean - check out Beverly Hills Cop. How many times does Eddie Murphy use the "F" word in that whole movie? It must tread into the three-figure mark...

...it doesn't make it any less of a funny film - AND it was rated as an R13.



As a side-note: Anybody under the age of 13 on the internet should be supervised by an adult anyway, and those under 16 should have some cybernanny-form of software protecting their interests (and that's just the comments of a concerned father about the ever growing threat of internet "grooming") - but that's a whole new topic of discussion.

:(

[WinterMute]

Originally posted by BaghdadBob
Yes! That's the word I was trying to think of that, last time I checked, was considered at least marginally impolite, where nobody thinks anything of it over here. I too am interested to know what the status of "bloody" is in the UK.

Sorry to keep you waiting Your Effortlesness, git and bloody are almost playschool profanity now, along with bugger, which might get you a sharp look by a pensioner on a bus:D

Prince Phillip, or Phil the Greek as he's affectionately known round here, is always saying bloody this and bugger that, so we figure it's OK if royalty can use it;)

Bollocks and wanker work OK in most company, but you wouldn't want to say "bollocks to the queen" in the pubs in my area, a bit touchy about the Monarchy they are.

It's definately rule no.1, and can we call you Bruce to avoid confusion?

Kiwi:

Marmite is infinitely preferable to Vegemite, as it leaves the skin on the roof of your mouth:D

[irmongoose]

Originally posted by kiwi_the_iwik

As a side-note: Anybody under the age of 13 on the internet should be supervised by an adult anyway, and those under 16 should have some cybernanny-form of software protecting their interests (and that's just the comments of a concerned father about the ever growing threat of internet "grooming") - but that's a whole new topic of discussion.

Please don't spread this idea of yours. It's a hazard to my freedom... keep it to yourself and your family if you like.



irmongoose

[kiwi_the_iwik]

Originally posted by irmongoose
Please don't spread this idea of yours. It's a hazard to my freedom... keep it to yourself and your family if you like.

irmongoose


Hmmm - my values of morality are quite sound, thank you very much; and I don't need a teenager to tell me that I SHOULDN'T point out the dangers of the internet - especially when there are so many horror stories out there.

Perhaps when you're old enough to have children, then you might understand just how precious they are, and how important their safety is.

I think we should leave this topic of discussion at that, don't you think?


By the way: I STILL think Vegemite is better...

;)

[agreenster]

Git, bloody, bugger, bollocks, wanker, marmite and vegemite just sound too cute to be bad words. In fact, you ask most Americans and they wouldnt even know it was considered 'cuss words' in GB.

I didnt.:rolleyes:

[Dunepilot]

Originally posted by King Cobra
Strange, I found 437 such words... (http://www.cusswords.com/details.php?id=30)

The last one of the 'A' insults linked to by King Cobra is not only misspelt but the person who put the page together obviously has no idea of the Freudian provenance nor common meaning of the word.

Retintive my arse :D

[Dunepilot]

Originally posted by voicegy

Do you mean This?:eek: Eeecch! Me mum likes it too...she's British.

marmite rocks! Great on toast first thing in the morning (especially if you're hungover, as I am most mornings - it seems to be good at replacing the salts you lose through drinking).

Sorry bout the double-post

[whitegold]

The simple theme here is appropriateness.

As an example, I live with three other guys. I'd be concerned if one of us entered the house or even the room WITHOUT recieving a barrage of abuse that would make a sailor blush. "b*tch t*ts" isn't considered offensive. It's quite likely to be followed by "pass the salt".

That being said, I would NOT use the same sort of language around my mother, the Pope, the Queen, etc.

Nor would I use it around people I didn't know. I would listen to how they spoke, and speak accordingly.

Matt

[whitegold]

Oh, and as an australian I have to say, Vegemite is GREAT! I used to eat it with a spoon. Slowly. And carefully.

Marmite on the other hand is truly awful.

[Sun Baked]

Passionate Defense Of The "F" Word (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/fword1.html)

FJULY 28--Yes, five months remain in the year, but we're ready to announce the winner of the prestigious 2003 Legal Document of the Year award. The below motion was filed earlier this month in connection with a criminal charge filed against a Colorado teenager. The boy's troubles started when he was confronted at school by a vice principal who suspected that he had been smoking in the boys bathroom. When presented to the principal, the kid exploded, cursing the administrator with some variants of the "F" word. For his outburst, the boy was hit with a disorderly conduct rap, which was eventually amended to interfering with the staff, faculty, or students of an educational institutional. Faced with what he thought was a speech crime, Eric Vanatta, the teen's public defender, drafted the below motion to dismiss the misdemeanor charge. The District Court document is an amusing and profane look at the world's favorite four-letter word, from its origins in 1500 to today's frequent use of the term by Eminem, Chris Rock, and Lenny Kravitz. The criminal charge, Vanatta argued in the motion, was not warranted since the use of the popular curse is protected by the First Amendment. TSG's favorite part of the motion is the chart comparing Google results for the "F" word and other all-American terms like mom, baseball, and apple pie. Sadly, Vanatta never got the chance to argue his motion before a judge. Because ten days ago he cut a plea deal that deferred prosecution of his client for four months--if the kid stays out of trouble during that period, the charge gets dismissed.Somebody want to file this with arn. :p

[judith]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by voicegy
[B]Grrrr...I don't like that word; it would be very difficult to have our Pride parade this weekend renamed to Poof Pride.:p

LOL I love it!: Poof Pride!

I also don't really associate this with any insult to one's sexual preference, really don't care to, but when there are a lot of feather boa's n' such flying around, poof just seems appropriate.:D

[billyboy]

I used to swear like a good ´un when I worked on building sites, to the point I didn´t even know how bad I sounded. That was untill my mate, who I thought was a foul mouthed so and so, told me to watch my language in his house in front of his long-suffering wife.

For all my own vulgarity I never got past the opening scenes of Trainspotting, the repeated use of the "c" word just seemed so ****ing crude. I guess that endorses what someone said about you never being too sure how you come across in public.

I teach now, and unlike the guy on here who seemed to think it was sort of not too bad to explete profanities in lectures, I just would never even jokingly get near the edge. Education is supposed to banish ignorance, and bad language in a professional setting smacks of ignorance, to me anyway. Luckily, living in a foreign land, I havent mastered the language yet and still dont even know that many four letter words. To be honest I dont even know how to use the one s I do know to best effect.

The sexiest woman I have ever known and nearly married was a foul-mouthed beauty, but she being American and me not, I thought that apart from everything else appealing about her, she was just incredibly funny with her way of swearing. She couldn´t help herself when it came to creating conversational waves and wiped a fair few smiles off British family faces once she got warmed up with her clever but blue bar room banter. " ****ing A!"

[voicegy]

Originally posted by judith I also don't really associate this with any insult to one's sexual preference, really don't care to, but when there are a lot of feather boa's n' such flying around, poof just seems appropriate.:D

San Diego's Saturday Poof Pride Parade went off wthout a hitch.:p