The “F” Word & Bloggers
17 Jul
It’s summer, so here’s a rerun for you! Lots of opinions on this one. Comments always welcome!
The Scarlet Letter
Credit: theknot.com.au
In Scrabble, the letter “F” merits a respectable four points. There are only two “F” tiles in the game set, which makes the number of words you can form with the letter “F” relatively limited.
In the real world, the “F” word is everywhere.
In the evolution of the English language, when did “Oh, darn!” become “Oh, Fu#!” What happened to “friggin?” When did “fudge” deteriorate into “Fu#!”?
When did “take the F train” become “take the ‘Fu#!-ing’ train?”
When did dropping the F-bomb so casually become the status quo?
“F” used to convey a meaning of failure. A rude, red “F” on a spelling quiz or a math exam would elicit disappointment, or at the least – some extra homework. Now, “F” means “Fantastic! Fabulous! Good effort! You’re gifted.“
Thank you, Adam Mansbach for your mega bestseller, “Go The F**k To Sleep.”
I’m writing a new book entitled “Stop hurling the “F” word every five seconds because you’re coarsening the language and culture. Plus it’s lazy and boring!”
At some point, talking like a truck driver became cooler than driving a truck. But like carbon emissions, sulfur dioxide, and lead, “F” contributes to air pollution.
We expect a liberal use of the “F” word from sailors, soldiers, pimps, graffiti artists, New Jersey housewives, Vice Presidents, and F-list stand-up comics, but not from role models or mommy bloggers.
Overheard at the dinner table:
Ten year old daughter: “Mommy uses the “F” word on her blog!”
Hubs (to Mom): “You do?”
Mom: “No, of course not. Well, sometimes, but -”
Daughter: “You shouldn’t say ‘butt’ either.”
Mom: “Sweetheart, I’m a writer. I have poetic license.”
Daughter: “I saw the “F” word twice on your last post.”
Hubs: “Great. I hope my parents don’t read your blog.”
Daughter: “And she says it on Twitter ALL the time!”
Hubs: “Geez…”
Mom: “Well, you know, everyone else does it…”
Daughter: “In CAPS. On Twitter. That’s like yelling it.”
Mom: “It’s for dramatic effect. I’m using the vernacular. Look it up, honey.”
Daughter: “In the dictionary?”
Mom: “Just Google it. V-E-R-”
Daughter: “Never mind, Mommy. Fu#!” it!”
*****
What do you think?
Related articles
http://barbsblast.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/the-scarlet-letter/
- “Go The F**k To Sleep” Author Adam Mansbach (omnivoracious.com)
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I agree completely. I always remember Jerry Seinfeld saying anyone can get a laugh throwing dirty language around (my paraphrase). But I always remember the point. Like you wrote, I think throwing profanity around for emphasis is lazy. Now I’m sure I have my on lazy tendencies in my writing, but this isn’t one of them. I still cringe when I hear the word butt. My mother hated it. I won’t let my kids say it, which of course means they do just to make me crazy. I enjoyed your thoughts.
Thanks for your perspective, Jamie. Guess “refinement” is just an acquired taste
Those naughty mommy bloggers!
Ha, you mean those mommy f#!*-ing bloggers.
I agree I’m sick of hearing the F word in movies and on the street. I even had to hear it in the office everyday from the receptionists who were located outside my office! I don’t think it is necessary and there are better ways to express yourself!
In my opinion, over-use of foul language is lazy, true enough. But I still think you have to be who you are, be real. In my day to day life, I cuss some. So in my blog, I cuss some.
Thanks, Dawn. Actually,I agree with you. Authenticity and voice trumps all. my pet peeve is the mindless gratuitous use here and there.