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BS: offensive words

Ed T 17 Jul 10 - 10:06 AM
GUEST,Silas 17 Jul 10 - 10:07 AM
Ed T 17 Jul 10 - 10:13 AM
Ed T 17 Jul 10 - 10:19 AM
Jack Campin 17 Jul 10 - 10:24 AM
Will Fly 17 Jul 10 - 10:26 AM
GUEST,Silas 17 Jul 10 - 10:33 AM
Phil Cooper 17 Jul 10 - 10:45 AM
artbrooks 17 Jul 10 - 10:56 AM
michaelr 17 Jul 10 - 11:43 AM
Ed T 17 Jul 10 - 11:59 AM
Ed T 17 Jul 10 - 12:08 PM
Dave Hanson 17 Jul 10 - 12:17 PM
kendall 17 Jul 10 - 12:24 PM
GUEST,mg 17 Jul 10 - 12:36 PM
Jack Campin 17 Jul 10 - 12:36 PM
Rapparee 17 Jul 10 - 12:41 PM
Uncle_DaveO 17 Jul 10 - 12:42 PM
maple_leaf_boy 17 Jul 10 - 12:45 PM
bobad 17 Jul 10 - 12:46 PM
Jack Campin 17 Jul 10 - 12:54 PM
Ebbie 17 Jul 10 - 01:36 PM
michaelr 17 Jul 10 - 01:37 PM
Amos 17 Jul 10 - 02:24 PM
frogprince 17 Jul 10 - 02:48 PM
Richard Bridge 17 Jul 10 - 03:15 PM
Ed T 17 Jul 10 - 03:15 PM
Ebbie 17 Jul 10 - 04:07 PM
McGrath of Harlow 17 Jul 10 - 04:48 PM
GUEST,David E. 17 Jul 10 - 06:02 PM
GUEST,Riginslinger 17 Jul 10 - 06:21 PM
McGrath of Harlow 17 Jul 10 - 06:37 PM
Lizzie Cornish 1 17 Jul 10 - 06:54 PM
Rapparee 17 Jul 10 - 07:40 PM
Midchuck 17 Jul 10 - 08:38 PM
Beer 17 Jul 10 - 09:39 PM
Rapparee 17 Jul 10 - 10:42 PM
Bobert 17 Jul 10 - 10:54 PM
Beer 17 Jul 10 - 10:55 PM
Beer 17 Jul 10 - 11:05 PM
mousethief 18 Jul 10 - 12:51 AM
MGM·Lion 18 Jul 10 - 07:39 AM
McGrath of Harlow 18 Jul 10 - 02:36 PM
VirginiaTam 18 Jul 10 - 03:02 PM
maple_leaf_boy 18 Jul 10 - 03:52 PM
Bainbo 18 Jul 10 - 03:56 PM
GUEST,Riginslinger 18 Jul 10 - 04:17 PM
GUEST,mg 18 Jul 10 - 04:35 PM
kendall 18 Jul 10 - 04:52 PM
Beer 18 Jul 10 - 07:10 PM
michaelr 18 Jul 10 - 07:13 PM
Uncle_DaveO 18 Jul 10 - 07:25 PM
Bill D 18 Jul 10 - 07:29 PM
bobad 18 Jul 10 - 08:31 PM
Q (Frank Staplin) 18 Jul 10 - 08:43 PM
Beer 18 Jul 10 - 10:46 PM
Beer 18 Jul 10 - 10:59 PM
Bert 19 Jul 10 - 02:03 AM
akenaton 19 Jul 10 - 04:55 AM
MGM·Lion 19 Jul 10 - 05:32 AM
GUEST,kendall 19 Jul 10 - 08:58 AM
Uncle_DaveO 19 Jul 10 - 11:19 AM
Ebbie 19 Jul 10 - 11:51 AM
maple_leaf_boy 19 Jul 10 - 11:56 AM
akenaton 19 Jul 10 - 12:02 PM
artbrooks 19 Jul 10 - 12:14 PM
Greg F. 19 Jul 10 - 12:27 PM
kendall 19 Jul 10 - 12:33 PM
Greg F. 19 Jul 10 - 12:33 PM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 20 Jul 10 - 03:28 AM
kendall 20 Jul 10 - 06:47 AM
RangerSteve 20 Jul 10 - 07:11 AM
Old Vermin 20 Jul 10 - 09:03 AM
McGrath of Harlow 20 Jul 10 - 09:41 AM
GUEST,Patsy Warren 20 Jul 10 - 11:12 AM
Uncle_DaveO 20 Jul 10 - 12:00 PM
GUEST 20 Jul 10 - 12:01 PM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 20 Jul 10 - 12:03 PM
McGrath of Harlow 20 Jul 10 - 01:02 PM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 20 Jul 10 - 01:35 PM
kendall 20 Jul 10 - 04:51 PM
Ed T 20 Jul 10 - 05:52 PM
McGrath of Harlow 20 Jul 10 - 06:53 PM
McGrath of Harlow 20 Jul 10 - 07:01 PM
GUEST,kendall 20 Jul 10 - 07:15 PM
McGrath of Harlow 20 Jul 10 - 08:02 PM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 21 Jul 10 - 01:31 AM
Bert 21 Jul 10 - 04:29 AM
kendall 21 Jul 10 - 06:07 AM
McGrath of Harlow 22 Jul 10 - 10:39 AM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 22 Jul 10 - 11:10 AM
frogprince 22 Jul 10 - 11:26 AM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 22 Jul 10 - 01:48 PM
McGrath of Harlow 22 Jul 10 - 01:58 PM
kendall 22 Jul 10 - 07:25 PM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 22 Jul 10 - 08:29 PM
kendall 23 Jul 10 - 01:28 PM
mauvepink 23 Jul 10 - 02:07 PM
kendall 23 Jul 10 - 04:42 PM
Ed T 23 Jul 10 - 06:04 PM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 23 Jul 10 - 07:58 PM
GUEST,kendall 23 Jul 10 - 10:27 PM
Ed T 24 Jul 10 - 08:29 AM
Ed T 24 Jul 10 - 08:51 AM
Ed T 24 Jul 10 - 08:58 AM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 24 Jul 10 - 09:37 AM
Ed T 24 Jul 10 - 10:22 AM
GUEST,DonMeixner 24 Jul 10 - 12:19 PM
kendall 24 Jul 10 - 04:39 PM
MGM·Lion 25 Jul 10 - 01:04 AM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 25 Jul 10 - 01:19 AM
kendall 25 Jul 10 - 04:56 AM
Lizzie Cornish 1 25 Jul 10 - 05:37 AM
kendall 25 Jul 10 - 07:13 AM
MGM·Lion 25 Jul 10 - 09:43 AM
Uncle_DaveO 25 Jul 10 - 10:56 AM
Lizzie Cornish 1 25 Jul 10 - 12:19 PM
GUEST,Guest from Sanity 25 Jul 10 - 12:33 PM
kendall 25 Jul 10 - 01:17 PM
Lizzie Cornish 1 25 Jul 10 - 01:56 PM
GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie 25 Jul 10 - 05:25 PM
Art Thieme 25 Jul 10 - 09:57 PM
kendall 26 Jul 10 - 06:08 AM

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Subject: BS: potentially offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:06 AM

I noted in a recent thread, a poster used the word "retarded", and was taken to task for it. I never use the word in the context it was used. But, do hear it used that way now and then, mostly from folks that don't intend to offend anyone associated with a mental issue.

That got me thinking. Many of us could be unknowingly using one or two words that are considered inappropriate, if only in certain societies, countries or locals...or by particular groups.

I recall being taken to task for using the words "girls" and "ladies", when I should have been saying women. I was told to be careful when using the word "adopt" by a woman who had just adopted a young child....she was taking issue with the word in a community project called "adopt a stream". (I have made adjustments with using words, when told they should not be used, or should be used differently).

I noted a word issue yesterday on CNN, where someone used the term "coloured", intending to say black. I also came accross folks saying Oriental, when they meant Asian, and Eskimo, when they meant Inuit.

So, got any words (or wisdom) to share that we should be careful of, when posting or speaking?


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:07 AM

'Retarded' is not offensive.

'Retard' is.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:13 AM

We all remember some of those really hurtful...and some racial...terms used (sometimes innocently)when we were young.
As a caution, let's try and keep away from those, as it serves no purpose.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:19 AM

Oposing views on using "retard or retarded", ("you are retared, or your a retard") when intending to mean something like "your stupid".

http://www.helium.com/debates/111682-is-the-slang-use-of-the-word-retard-or-retarded-discriminatory/side_by_side?page=13


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Jack Campin
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:24 AM

"Asian" in the UK almost always means somebody from the Indian subcontinent, you wouldn't ordinarily use it to describe a Chinese person. I'd probably use "Oriental" to describe somebody who might equally well be Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese or Korean and when I have no additional information to decide where they come from - what other word covers that situation?


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Will Fly
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:26 AM

If the woman didn't like the concept of adopting a stream, then she might not be very pleased with:

adoptabook.bl.uk/

www.adoptabeach.org.uk/

WWF-Adopt-a-Animal.co.uk

The concept of "adopting a road" in the UK is where a local council has accepted responsibility for the maintenance of what was formerly a private road.

Language and its changing use has become a minefield - and it's not always easy to know what is acceptable and unacceptable in different societies. I recall, at a work meeting in a university, being told that the term "Third world" was not acceptable. I was told that "Global South" should be used instead - which was news to me.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:33 AM

Blind people are not Blind anymore, they are 'visually impaired' and a thousand more ridiculous PC definitions. Personally, I am a fat, balding, short sighted loudmouth. (And that's the way I like it)


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:45 AM

In the Ask Amy column a couple weeks ago, when discussing parents coming out with a stream of invective in front of their children, someone said they suffered from vehicular turrett's syndrome. That was in reference to swearing in traffic in front of the kids. A lot of people liked the phrase. A couple weeks later someone wrote in that it was offensive to turrett's sufferers. I thought it just means almost anything will be offensive to someone. You can't cover all the bases. I would not intentionally say something I knew someone else thought was offensive. But sometimes things can be done unintentionally, and I don't worry too much about that.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: artbrooks
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:56 AM

Well, once the words of preference were such things as "idiot", imbecile" and "moron", and there were great debates on the appropriate dividing line between them. Those were abandoned for the then politically-correct term, "retarded", meaning delayed. That was abandoned when it (or its derivatives) became terms of abuse (normally not directed toward those who didn't fit the medical definition). The newer expression "developmentally disabled" is being replaced with "developmentally delayed"...and that is being overtaken by "intellectually disabled".

Jumping into this with both size 13 boots (and I think this is principally a US issue), we once used the word Negro (with or without capitol letter) to describe any person who had one ancestor of African origin, regardless of how far removed. The word, with a slight noun shift, is the Spanish word for black. Polite people said "Colored" instead - and we know what impolite people used. Both of these were replaced at the beginning of the PC era with Black, which was then replaced by African-American. Strangely enough, during the last presidential election, there was some discussion on whether or not Mr. Obama, with one American parent of Northern European descent and one African parent, was entitled to be called an African-American!


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: michaelr
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 11:43 AM

It's offensive to call someone short-sighted when they're in fact near-sighted. ;-)


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 11:59 AM

Article related to the topic:

http://aggslanguage.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/political-correctness-euphemism-with-attitude/


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:08 PM

Personally, I liked the English language better, when "fuck" was considered a bad word...and, used broadly in other languages, and often used most effectively (by most males and the more daring females). It's now so mundane and accepted that one can selectively use it in Mudcat, without even getting Joe O upset:(


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:17 PM

And now I'm not overweight anymore, I'm under tall, for my weight I should be 6ft 9ins

Dave H


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:24 PM

It's impossible to go through this life without stepping on someones toes.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:36 PM

I think some of the words used in an I am superior to them manner quite often on this forum are redneck, trailer trash, wannabe, Plastic Paddy...I find all of them offensive especially when the intention seems to be to want to insult...which is not always the case of course. Sometimes words just creep into our vocabulary and we have social permission to use them. mg


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Jack Campin
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:36 PM

Is "coloured" still used in South Africa?

The term itself wasn't necessarily racist, though what apartheid did to people labelled as such obviously was.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:41 PM

So you can no longer retard the spark when starting an antique vehicle? If you don't it will stall and not run.

Personally, I find all language offensive. Please communicate in mathematical statements.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:42 PM

Well, as to "retarded", I say that my son Hans, who is a 36 year old Down's Syndrome individual, is retarded, with nary a blush nor a hesitation. But don't you call him "a retard"!

Dave Oesterreich


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: maple_leaf_boy
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:45 PM

I don't like the terms "jock", "mick", or "papist." I've heard these
terms used.
As for the term "coloured", a related word n****r I hear being used.
But, most of the time when I hear it used, it's not meant for African
people. It's used to describe someone who is lazy, dumb, and ignorant.
I referred to a white man as a n****r before, because he was lazy
and stupid. I hope no one takes that as an offense.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: bobad
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:46 PM

I find "gas fracking" offensive.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Jack Campin
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:54 PM

The BBC's official list of offensive words:

http://www.badscience.net/2006/03/cunt-fuck-wanker/


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 01:36 PM

"As for the term "coloured", a related word n****r I hear being used.
But, most of the time when I hear it used, it's not meant for African
people. It's used to describe someone who is lazy, dumb, and ignorant.
I referred to a white man as a n****r before, because he was lazy
and stupid. I hope no one takes that as an offense." maple_leaf_boy

Well, yes. I would take offense at it. Think of it as 'circular'.

Black people used to be called that and the implied meaning was that they were 'lazy and stupid (and worse).

So, if I call a white man by that word implying that he is lazy and stupid, I am applying a word that *used* to mean a lazy and stupid people. I am going along with the original meaning, saying that he is no better than they.

I'm not sure I'm making my reasoning clear. Suffice it to say that yes, I would find it offensive whether or not the speaker meant it so.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: michaelr
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 01:37 PM

This line is from a song by Gerry O'Beirne:

In the land of the Patagarang, the murkies are dreaming

Is it offensive to refer to Aborigines as "murkies"?


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Amos
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 02:24 PM

I think having over-sensitive, easily-offended sensibilities is itself offensive, to the degree that it inhibits communication by putting people of ordinary good-will on an unnecessary lookout and makes them unduly careful.

Lanuage is alive and can be used for humor, color and vicid communication as easily as it can be used for insult, derogation, or subjugation. The difference is not found in the words used but in the intent and the context thereof.

Pinning offense down to individual words is --in my own personal opinion--a lazy sort of substitute thinking.


A


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: frogprince
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 02:48 PM

A few months back one of the group that hangs out in the local doughnut shop most mornings lamented that "It's gotten to where I can't even say nigger anymore". Lest there be any confusion as to his meaning, he is essentially a Klansman without an actual membership card. I wasn't in a frame of mind to bite my tongue that morning. I just told him that I really didn't find the word any more offensive than cocksucker or motherfucker. I think a couple of the other regulars just about fainted from shock.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 03:15 PM

I ahve been criticised for using "handicapped" as a refernce to a lack of ability. Apparently the formation derives from begging - going "cap in hand".


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 03:15 PM

I recall the term "indian giver" the was once used in some school texts? I also remember the word "Jap" being taken out of WW2 stories in some school books. Then there is the word Squaw, which many native Americans and Canadians want removed from place names (like in Squaw Mountain).


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 04:07 PM

'Indian giver', of course, derives from the members of the white culture not understanding that any gift demanded a gift of equal value in return. If a gift was not reciprocated, the gift was reclaimed. This was/is true not just of the American Indians in the 'lower 48' but also of the Alaska natives.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 04:48 PM

The offence lies in the intent, whether that is an intent to insult, or an assumption of some kind of inferiority - but where a word is used frequently enough with an offensive intent, it is liable to convey that offensive intent even where it is not present. That is when it can become advisable to abandon it and use a word that doesn't have those associations.

Of course sooner or later it is liable to pick up those associations, since the people with the intent to offend will still be around degrading the language and the planet. So the caravan has to move on.

Alongside this there is the phenomena of people who seek to find offensive associations in words which do not in fact have such associations - essentially they are playing power games, sometimes with pretty sick motives.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,David E.
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 06:02 PM

I find "youguys" offensive. As in two (straight) couples out to dinner and the server asking "Can I get youguys something to drink?" And when we move on to offensive phrases I'd like to nominate "sorrybouthat."

David E.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Riginslinger
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 06:21 PM

"Comprehensive Immigration Reform"


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 06:37 PM

Irritating isn't really the same as offensive, Dave.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 06:54 PM

I have a new book...It's called 'The Way of F**k It' ...although I'd not have the stars in...It's filled with really useful thoughts, along the lines of

"You've been a naughty boy/girl
You've taken things too seriously
Write 20 lines, saying "F**k it!"
to all those things..

I say F**k It! to.....
I say Fuck It! to....."

Etc..etc..and f**king etc..

And..

"You've searched
You've done the therapy
You have all the badges
All this to discover
You were already there....
F**k it!"

:0)

Lizzie, an Ol' Girl who used to be a young girl and who is most definitely STILL a Lady, albeit a F**king Naughty One!

;0)


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 07:40 PM

Words, in and of themselves, are innocuous. My Webster's Third International (unabridged dictionary) just sits calmly on the self waiting for me to use it.

The context in which the words are used, coupled with folk ideas, that cause the trouble. See, for example, what snopes.com has to say about the word "handicapped."

Banning a word, like banning a book, only makes it more powerful.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Midchuck
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 08:38 PM

Someone has set up a page in Facebook, with no content that is anything special, but a truly wonderful title:

There is no "I" in "team," but there are three "U"s in "Shut the F*** Up!"

Peter


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Beer
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 09:39 PM

Great line Midchuck. Bobad what the heck does "gas fracking" mean? I guess I must be dumb eh!.
Frogprince, good for you.

Spent some time in Newfoundland a few years back and upon arrival I was told that I should not use the term "Newfie" as there is a movement taking place by some that find the word offensive. So I replied by saying, "Holly Fuck, you mean there will be no more Newfie jokes"
ad.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:42 PM

So what SHOULD I call that breed of big, hairy, wonderful dogs? Oh, I know! Dachshunds!


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Bobert
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:54 PM

POffensive words???

Dick Cheney, fir starters...


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Beer
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 10:55 PM

hahahaha!!
Newfoundlanders of course.
ad.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Beer
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 11:05 PM

I just thought of one.
"Jesus Christ"
Play with this for a while. Not offensive? Well years ago my older brother was caught saying this in fun and got the broom handle across the back by Mum for doing so. Maybe not so offensive today but back in the fifties and early sixties growing up as a R/C it would have been.
ad.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: mousethief
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 12:51 AM

Frogprince: A few months back one of the group that hangs out in the local doughnut shop most mornings lamented that "It's gotten to where I can't even say nigger anymore". Lest there be any confusion as to his meaning, he is essentially a Klansman without an actual membership card. I wasn't in a frame of mind to bite my tongue that morning. I just told him that I really didn't find the word any more offensive than cocksucker or motherfucker. I think a couple of the other regulars just about fainted from shock.

You're my new hero.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:39 AM

Re history of words in US given above (Artbrooks 1057) ~~ Coloured ☞ Black ☞ African-American — there are dangers of which one must beware: instance that well-meaning PC reporter who began a question addressed to a famous South African prime minister on his first visit to the United States with the words, "Mr Mandela, as an African-American, what is your opinion of ..."


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 02:36 PM

Sometimes avoiding words that cause offence is a matter of basic good manners. Maybe that's a hard concept for some people to take on board. But sometimes it can be prudent as well.

"What's black and blue and floats in the bay?"

"The last visitor who told a Newfie joke round here."


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 03:02 PM

When I was a kid in the 60s and 70s we were taught not to use retard or retarded. It was just rude.

now a days, I have noticed that young people use the term "that's retarded" quite a lot as they do "that's so gay." Quite often it means something other than the actual definition or common use meaning.

I just don't know about these yung uns. I find "7 differnt ways of ignernt" or something like "politicians must've drafted/designed that" suffices when I find something is singularly stupid.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: maple_leaf_boy
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 03:52 PM

There is no "I" in team, but there are three "u"'s in "shut the f up."
I think that's funny. That reminds me of something that a friend said
in response to "there is no "i" in team. His response was "yeah, but
there is a 'me'."


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Bainbo
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 03:56 PM

Tim Minchin tries to bring some perspective to the use of offensive words.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Riginslinger
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 04:17 PM

"Diversity"


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 04:35 PM

I do not believe that words are innocuous. Some are created or used for a reason, and that reason is to intimidate or hurt or insult or prove one person's dominance over another. I think the use of "N." ever is not done by decent people, assuming they are informed and aware, and it is hard to imagine they would not be in this day and age.

I also think that people can go out of their way to be offended by stuff, like not calling things man-hole covers etc. And adopt a stream..that is too much by my reckoning. mg


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 04:52 PM

Call me a dinosaur if you wish but I miss the days when gentlemen refrained from using course language in the company of women. We have lost something valuable.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Beer
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:10 PM

You are right on Kendall. I'll be the first to use a little offensive language with men around but I still watch what I say in front of women. Showing my age I guess.
ad.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: michaelr
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:13 PM

Any Australians reading this thread? I'm really curious about the usage of "murkies" - or, for that matter, "creamies" as heard in the film "Australia" to describe mixed-race persons.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:25 PM

Who, how, what, which, when, or why is Conrad Bladey, that that expression should be offensive?

Dave Oesterreich


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:29 PM

he is member "#1 Peasant", who sort of polarizes the readers....97% against, 2% unsure, and 1% .."who?"


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: bobad
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 08:31 PM

Beer, don't really what "gas fracking" is, just saw it in this thread heading: http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=130662&messages=38 and thought it sounded like something nasty.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 08:43 PM

Marmite- the most offensive word?


Some years back I went to a show at the R. Hawaiian in Waikiki, performers the Brothers Cazimero. They overheard an Australian guest call them 'brownies'. Mayhem was avoided, but it affected their entire concert.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Beer
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 10:46 PM

Go ya Bobad.
thanks.
ad.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Beer
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 10:59 PM

Got ya Bobad.
Sorry.
ad.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Bert
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 02:03 AM

here's another thread


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: akenaton
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 04:55 AM

I'm Scottish and I dont find being called a "jock" at all offensive.

Everyone has become over sensitive....just another symptom of our mad addiction to "liberalism".

Hamish Henderson in his great song "The banks o' Sicily" wrote, "nae JOCKS will mourn the kyles o' ye", meaning that none of the Scots soldiers would be sorry to leave the place.

In the parlance of the forces "Jock" was a term of affection for a comrade.

I'm in favour of free speech.....if I offend someone, I'm big enough to take the consequences, without the thought police telling me what I can or cannot say.
A word can mean a hundred different things depending on how it is said.....who can police that?


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 05:32 AM

A Welshman of my acquaintance once took great exception to "Boyo"; but forgave me when I assured him I meant no offence, but had simply picked it up from Max Boyce, himself a professional Welsh comedian, from whom I had got the idea that the Welsh themselves quite liked and welcomed it.

~Michael~


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 08:58 AM

There are certain words that have only one meaning and we know which ones I mean.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 11:19 AM

Bobad, just in case you haven't been enlightened since your post,
"gas fracking" is a procedure whereby certain subterranean rock formations are fractured ("fracking") by explosives in order to give up the natural gas contained therein.

Dave Oesterreich


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ebbie
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 11:51 AM

"Call me a dinosaur if you wish but I miss the days when gentlemen refrained from using course language in the company of women. We have lost something valuable." Kendall

I too miss those days and when I got to wondering why and when things changed, I decided it was when women started using the same language.

And it *is* a matter of age- a few weeks ago I was chatting at a bus stop with a man who had grey hair about his temples when another man - 40ish- came by. They knew each other and at one point the younger man used a certain word, and I heard the older man say, Sssh. There's a lady present.

Refreshing, really.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: maple_leaf_boy
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 11:56 AM

akenaton: I guess it depends on how the word is used. Some people use it
as an insult, and others don't.

But, across the pond, "jock" has a second meaning. It's used to describe an athlete, and some might find it to be insulting, others don't.

An example of how some people like it:
I had a teacher who was an athlete, and he would proudly say "I'm a jock" all the time.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: akenaton
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 12:02 PM

Well two have been mentioned here Kendal, "nigger" and "gay".

I never use "gay" as it was adopted by homosexual activists for political reasons....unfortunately this also means that the traditional meaning can now rarely be used.

I never use "nigger", but have it on very good authority that people of African extraction commonly use the term to one another in a friendly manner......so I suppose there are at least two meanings, depending on how the words are delivered and who is using them.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 12:14 PM

"Jock", BTW, also refers to a male athletic supporter - that is, a cup with elastic straps...similar in appearance to thong underwear. This may be entirely US/North American usage.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Greg F.
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 12:27 PM

"Jock" ? & then there's the Scots:


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 12:33 PM

Ak, the two worst ones are, F and C. No two meanings for either.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Greg F.
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 12:33 PM

Ooops. that should have been

CLICK HERE

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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 03:28 AM

The definition of a word, is 'a sound or a group of sounds, audibly spoken, that relate an idea'.....NO words do I find 'offensive', but the applications of some words I find stupid...such as what is considered 'politically correct'....get off it...especially if you fancy yourself as a open-minded thinker, and/or writer!!!!


...'and that's all I have to say about that!'...Forrest Gump

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 06:47 AM

I'm as open minded as anyone I know, still, I see no good reason to make others uncomfortable. The basic meaning of manners is just that; the art of making others comfortable.
Any smart mouth kid can mouth dirty words or write them (badly) on a sidewalk, but one's vocabulary should expand beyond fuck as they grow up.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: RangerSteve
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 07:11 AM

A few years back I received a memo at work that stated that, when writing reports, I should avoid phrases like "a blind man", "a bald man", "an Irish woman".... and instead say" a man who is blind", etc. In the first version, the man's blindness is more important than his humanity. I get their point, but it could lead to some clumsy phrasing, especially in folk music: Lemon Jefferson Who Is Blind, The Clay Ramblers Who Are Red, The City Ramblers Who Are New and Lost. And who could forget Jimmy Dean's big hit - John Who is Big and Bad. Or Little Richards "Sally Who is Long and Tall.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Old Vermin
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 09:03 AM

Hmmm. Fell off a windsurfer at Sunsail, Antigua. Trapped ankle. Painful. Twisted to get head above water. Said 'bugger' forcefully.

At tea, a lady from Hawaii approached me and said 'You must be English. I've only ever heard "bugger" said by Hugh Grant.' She seemed amused by the quaintness.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 09:41 AM

...if I offend someone, I'm big enough to take the consequences

But you don't take the consequences, if those consequences are limited to them feeling hurt or humiliated or insulted. That's a bit like saying "If I tread on someone, I'm big enough to take the consequences."


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Patsy Warren
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 11:12 AM

One expression is really offensive to me and one that was so often used in the playground when I was at school was calling someone wearing glasses 'four eyes.' It was so hurtful to children or anyone vulnerable. Hopefully now schools address bullying like that and children can wear glasses to correct their sight properly without worrying about having to hide them like I did.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 12:00 PM

Patsy, one thing about the childhood "four eyes" harassment:

There's nothing in the actual words that's insulting or offensive, seems to me. What's upsetting to a target glasses-wearing child is the bully's attitude, the utterance of those two words as if they were an insult.   By implication, the kid gets the message, "You're trash, you're worthless, you're ugly," none of which is actually in the meaning of the words. It's the use of the words in that way that's hurtful.

Dave Oesterreich


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 12:01 PM

Kendall: "I'm as open minded as anyone I know, still, I see no good reason to make others uncomfortable. The basic meaning of manners is just that; the art of making others comfortable."

You mean Etiquette...not manners.

Some people get 'uncomfortable' just way too easy. Some people find THINKING, past the 'POLITICALLY CORRECT' verbiage, painful. Some people have an acquired low threshold of tolerance, due to 'politically correct' nonsensical pandering. When I hear people use many of those terms, or get offended if another doesn't use those terms, I understand what they mean, and what they are.......and I also understand that they are too big of pussies, too block an exchange of honest ideas, without using a device to be less than honest..or accurate!!

...AND ITS NOT A MATTER OF MANNERS, EITHER..... but rather etiquette. Etiquette, is learned, from the outside....manners come from within!

You might dance around, trying to be 'diplomatic'...and NEVER speak your heart or mind......in such cases, why open your mouth at all?...except to try to impress others that you can be so 'PC'..in which case, I'd rather they just shut the fuck up!

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 12:03 PM

For some reason, it wasn't posting correctly:

Kendall: "I'm as open minded as anyone I know, still, I see no good reason to make others uncomfortable. The basic meaning of manners is just that; the art of making others comfortable."

You mean Etiquette...not manners.

Some people get 'uncomfortable' just way too easy. Some people find THINKING, past the 'POLITICALLY CORRECT' verbiage, painful. Some people have an acquired low threshold of tolerance, due to 'politically correct' nonsensical pandering. When I hear people use many of those terms, or get offended if another doesn't use those terms, I understand what they mean, and what they are.......and I also understand that they are too big of pussies, too block an exchange of honest ideas, without using a device to be less than honest..or accurate!!

...AND ITS NOT A MATTER OF MANNERS, EITHER..... but rather etiquette. Etiquette, is learned, from the outside....manners come from within!

You might dance around, trying to be 'diplomatic'...and NEVER speak your heart or mind......in such cases, why open your mouth at all?...except to try to impress others that you can be so 'PC'..in which case, I'd rather they just shut the fuck up!

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 01:02 PM

Kendall's definition of (good) manners as behaving in a way that help others to be comfortable, is as good as you can have. "Etiquette" all too often is more about making people uncomfortable, because they don't know the rules.

The other way of doing that is by bad manners, and my impression from that post by "GUEST from Sanity" is that that may be his, (or conceivably) her, preferred way of doing that.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 01:35 PM

McGrath, You may agree or disagree, what I posted...but at least you're THINKING about it, Eh?...Isn't that the point? Isn't that the point of exchanging ideas???

Here, I'll run it by you again:

Etiquette, is more cerebral, and is taught and learned to qualify, and therefore exclude people, where manners come from the heart to include people, as 'Do unto others as you' would have them do unto you'.

If you don't, or can't understand the difference, its okay...don't worry about it.

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 04:51 PM

I know what I meant and I said what I meant. Furthermore, I stand by it.Politically correct is a phrase that has been used like "Liberal", twisting the meaning to demean other people's mind set.
If you want to use the words nigger, cunt, fuck, do so, but not in the company of my wife or daughters.

That kind of gutter language will get you arrested in some places.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 05:52 PM

"Etiquette means behaving yourself a little better than is absolutely essential." Will Cuppy


"Etiquette tip: More people will get out of your way if you say "I'm gonna puke!" than if you say "Excuse me"." Unknown source

"The devil is and always has been a gentleman." Diane LaVey


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 06:53 PM

"manners come from the heart to include people, as 'Do unto others as you' would have them do unto you'." (GfS)

"The basic meaning of manners is just that; the art of making others comfortable." (GfS)

Clearly GfS sees more diffeence betyween those ways of summarising "good manners" than I do, since he (or she) says the latter isn't about manners but about etiquette.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 07:01 PM

Amended:

"manners come from the heart to include people, as 'Do unto others as you' would have them do unto you'." (GfS)

"The basic meaning of manners is just that; the art of making others comfortable." (kendall)

Clearly GfS sees more diffeence betyween those ways of summarising "good manners" than I do, since he (or she) says the latter isn't about manners but about etiquette.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 07:15 PM

Manners is making others comfortable; etiquette is knowing which fork, spoon, knife to use and where to place your napkin.
Which is more important?


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jul 10 - 08:02 PM

It seems to me that the term "politically correct" is frequently used as a way of re-categorising ways of using language which are basically about good manners or courtesy, and labelling them as a variety of etiquette.

There are occasions when there can be some validity in that - people who try to operate a mechanical and arbitrary rule book as part of some exercise in organisational politics. But those are the distortions and exceptions. Mostly when people brandish the term "political correctness" (overwhelmingly in order to denounce it) what they are in fact attacking is the exercise of good manners in language.

Here's a song about all this I once wrote and posted on the Mudcat, and called "Poison in Jest":

Now there's a funny way of talking called "Politically Correct" -
Silly fools who think that words have some kind of effect.
Now that's surely not a notion that's entitled to respect -
So I'd like to poke a little fun at this strange dialect.
For when I meet some oddity I like to speak direct.
No, I never mess around with being "Politically Correct".
So I speak to them direct, that's what they must expect -
No I never mess around with being "Politically Correct."

So I say "Good Morning, Mr Nigger!",
or "How goes it, you old Yid?"
The answers that I get, I find surprising.
And I like seeing tins marked "Cripples",
or "For Little Spastic Kids" - I think euphemisims are so patronising!
So I speak to them direct, that's what they must expect
No I never mess around with being "Politically Correct."

So, perhaps you are a Poofter, or a Gippo with a van,
or perhaps you are a Mongol or a Moron -
or perhaps you come from Essex, Essex Girl or Essex Man,
and perhaps your name is Tracy, Wayne or Sharon
Well, I'll speak to you direct, that's what you must expect -
No I never mess around with being "Politically Correct."

If I call you what I choose, what's that got to do with you?
It's not my problem if the words appall you.
It's how I always speak when I'm talking to a freak,
and it doesn't really matter what I call you.
Yes, I'll speak to you direct, that's what you must expect -
No I never mess around with being "Politically Correct."

And if anybody says that I offends,
why then I just assume an
injured look - my poor little friends,
you must have lost your sense of humour.
And a sense of fun, when all is done,
it never should desert you.
And sticks and stones can break your bones -
but words can really hurt you.

So, I'll speak to you direct, that's what you must expect -
For I never mess around with being "Politically Correct."

Now some might call it courtesy,
or politeness or respect -
But I prefer to call it "being Politically Correct".


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 01:31 AM

The opposite of being 'politically correct' does not mean,that one would, could or should, be crude or coarse, by any means, but let's not go overboard in being dishonest about what you say!...for the sake of being 'PC'.

Shit, to some the truth is offensive enough!!!!..as any politically minded parrot!

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Bert
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 04:29 AM

...manners come from within!...

Hmmm, I think that pretty much sums up our Kendall.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 21 Jul 10 - 06:07 AM

McGrath, that is beautiful! I wish I'd said it.
Guest, now that I can agree with.Good point.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 10:39 AM

"Politically Correct" is a label that causes offense, and makes for disagreement. Not a term to use,in other words.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 11:10 AM

McGrath: ""Politically Correct" is a label that causes offense, and makes for disagreement. Not a term to use,in other words."

'Politically correct', is just that POLITICALLY. I'd prefer to be honest, than labeled 'politically' correct. 'Politics' by its very nature, is dishonest....and dishonesty is a certain trait of bad manners!!!


...not that anyone cares these days...its more en vogue to be dishonest, using 'non-offensive' language!!!!..it makes for 'politically correct' deception!

Here's winkin' at ya!...honestly!!!!

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: frogprince
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 11:26 AM

Gfs, do you consider it "dishonest" to refer to people in terms you know they are comfortable with, in place of terms you've been used to, or just have an inclination to use?

I generally go by my middle name, simply because my first name is unusual and tends to be confusing and hard for people to remember correctly. Awhile back, an older man in management discovered my first name in the records, approached me with a smarmy smile, and addressed me with a slowly drawled rendition of it. I told him, I believe very politely, that I preferred use of my middle name. The "smile" got nastier, and the use of my first name got more emphatic. I took a measure of comfort in the fact that he treated almost everyone like shit, not just me.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 01:48 PM

Frogprince: "Gfs, do you consider it "dishonest" to refer to people in terms you know they are comfortable with, in place of terms you've been used to, or just have an inclination to use?"

Jeez, who would name their child 'Frogprince'??...just kidding..

Does it make you comfortable that George W. Bush uses the 'comfortably, politically correct' phrase of 'compassionate conservative'???..or Hillary Clinton, getting up and whimpering catch phrases like 'Its for the children'??. Neither of these deceptive clowns give a flying fuck about 'compassion' for the American public, or YOUR children!!!!(if you have any)....but its 'politically correct' to use those phrases, and patently DISHONEST!

A phrase like 'mentally challenged' might sound great, but gives the listener no clue as to what the problem is. It could range from 'slow' (as in 'retarded') to any number of things, even down to just plain stupid, because the user of the phrase might not agree with the person, to whom he is referring!

How about 'Gay'..as contrast to homosexual..in lieu of 'reproductively challenged'???
....or 'person', as in Congressperson, instead of Congressman, as in mankind.

Or seeing 'n****r', when you know damn well, that the image that conjures up in the reader's mind is exactly the same thing...and there are other words to use, without being insulting, instead of making a point of 'showing' that you're going to hop-scotch' around, the verbiage, when you MEAN the same thing! It shows a weakness of character, which tends to discredit the user. I'd rather make my point CLEAR, than to make the point, that I think as bigoted the next guy, so I'd use 'PC' language, but just don't have the guts to express what I really think. In doing so, I might even spare the listener the insult and embarrassment of thinking along the lines of shallow judgments, and being small minded.....as those who actually think that way!! Jeez, Mark Twain would roll over in his grave!

Now I'm NOT advocating going out of your way to use offensive language, but for me, personally, I'd rather be direct, and forthright, even if I've risked 'putting off' the listener, or reader,....hoping is/her INTELLIGENCE coupled with conscientiousness will enlighten them, as to know, that my intentions were not to insult their intelligence, or feelings. Though, I've been known to dish out insults, that is usually reserved for those who shown complete disregard, for insulting their own intelligence, as trying to convince me, that I should join in the fun!!!

The bruises of a friend are better than the mirth of an enemy.

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful"--King Solomon

Respectfully with Regards,

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 01:58 PM

The only people who seem to use the term "politically correct" in my recent experience are generally slagging off the concept that it is better not to use language that insults or puts down others.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 07:25 PM

Guest, old Maine saying: Tact is only noticed when it's missing.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 22 Jul 10 - 08:29 PM

Hey, knock yourself out. I'd rather have an intelligent conversation with wit, and insights, than listen to two politically correct tacticians!.... however, I myself do employ tact...but the 'PC' thing is absolutely nauseating!

There are folks on here, that probably have no idea, how polite I've been...by what I've held back in saying!

...then again, composing music in the studio has far greater reward, than burrowing my way through people's politically minded blockages!

Its not a matter of taste, but perception deficit disorder!-GfS

Anyway, have a great evening!

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 23 Jul 10 - 01:28 PM

If you mean not using the "F" word or the "C" word in public is a problem to you and is considered PC, then one of us has a problem.

You can say pretty much whatever you choose here except personal attacks.They are apt to be deleted, and most of us wouldn't have it any other way.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: mauvepink
Date: 23 Jul 10 - 02:07 PM

There are certainly lines that can be drawn around the use of foul language in my opinion. You can read every chapter in all of Jane Austen's novels and not come across one swear word. One could never argue that points have not been made in her writings that are downright insults delivered with manners and that kind of 'intelligent' argument/slight/insult has its appeals. But, as in Jane Austen's novels, were such language used and invoked these days there would be many that would not have a clue they were being insulted.

The use of swear words and foul language is not new and neither is it clever. They increasingly seem to be used as a short cut toward verbal aggession where outright aggression cannot be used in many cases. There is no doubt, in my experience, that swearing now is much more commonplace than it used to be and has become almost acceptable without thought in many places.

I am no innocent. I am guilty of having 'lost it' and sworn in public. For me, when I feel I have to resort to swearing to make my point, I feel I have already lost the argument and I chide myself to hold my tongue. On the occasions I have sworn publicly I have felt a loss of pride and dignity... almost a loss of control to a lesser degree. To me I have no excuse for swearing at someone to make my point. Of course, what I find foul and offensive does not mean that others will. Each seem to have their own level of what they feel is correct and acceptable.

I hear women swear now every day of my life. That was not always the case. I never ever heard a foul word issue from my Father or Mother's tongue (at least in front of us as children and as a family). If they ever did to each other I never heard it EVER. Now you hear children using horrid language so matter of factly. They ultimately get that from the adults around them.

Am I being prudish? I hope not. But I am being nostalgic. I wish the time could return to when language was gentlemanly and ladylike. I think we had such a richer language then than we do now. People still had arguments and still passed insults. But they did it with manners in mind and a personal conviction as to how they themselves were being perceived.

In public, too, bad language scares me. It is often used so aggressively and I start to fear what is about to escalate (as all to often it does). Does anyone else ever feel like that?

Just some opinions

mp


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 23 Jul 10 - 04:42 PM

Profanity is the effort of a feeble mind to express itself.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 23 Jul 10 - 06:04 PM

Can one now take the name of the lord in vain?


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 23 Jul 10 - 07:58 PM

Ed T: "Can one now take the name of the lord in vain?"

Most of the time it's done in churches, and in vain prayers!!!

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 23 Jul 10 - 10:27 PM

Depends who your God is.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 08:29 AM

Prick is now an ok to use in Australia
http://blog.taragana.com/law/2010/05/04/pri-less-offensive-than-other-words-australian-court-21884/

An odd list of words:
http://www.robroy8.com/Jokes/Offensive_Words.htm


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 08:51 AM

On the British bad words:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/12801465/Reading-Comprehension-BAD-WORDS-in-English


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 08:58 AM

Offensive words for people according to nationality or ethnicity

http://www.macmillandictionary.com/thesaurus/british/gringo/gringo_4/Offensive-words-for-people-according-to-nationality-or-ethn


I never heard of many of these:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_names_for_the_British


Yet, another personal list (lemon" – offensive to people who drive old cars?)

Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=248477449&blogId=418190272#ixzz0ubWGnkfq
:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=248477449&blogId=418190272


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 09:37 AM

kendall: "Depends who your God is."

...and how, and why we pray.

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Ed T
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 10:22 AM

"Depends who your God is."

And, also, possibly what religeon "he/she/it" is at that point in time.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 12:19 PM

I plan who I wish to offend and choose my English accordingly.

Don


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 04:39 PM

Right , Don. I also prefer the scalpel to the broad axe


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 01:04 AM

Depends what for, Kendall: scalpels are better for surgery, but try cutting down a tree with one! Likewise, what words should be used will depend on the situation, the level of comprehension that may be expected of the addressee, &c ~~ no?

~Michael~


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 01:19 AM

Bravo! MtheGM

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 04:56 AM

I said, I prefer the scalpel, but I have used the broad axe on some who were to numb to know they were being eviscerated.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 05:37 AM

I find myself going "Fuck!" more and more these days.

Sign of the times..


G20? Fuck *them*!
Internet Kill Switch? Fuck that!
Afghanistan? What the Fuck is that about?
Corporate Bastards? Fuck 'em all!
Raoul Moat? Fuck him and all those who support him!



There are now so many things on this planet to which we should ALL have said "FUCK THAT!" a very long time ago...and who knows, maybe if we'd then acted upon the 'Fucks! back then, the world would NOT be in the state it's in now.

If 'Fuck That!' gets rid of apathy then that's a good thing, because sod me, we're are all in Deep Shit at the moment, planetary and spiritually wise.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 07:13 AM

That word in print has no where near the power of it when spoken in public.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 09:43 AM

That is a fairly recent view tho, Kendall. When the late Ken Tynan said it on British tv following the shock caused by its appearance in print following the 'Lady Chatterley' trial & subsequent more widespread usage, it had quite an impact.

~Michael~


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 10:56 AM

One of the first of the lists given above prohibits "geezer" and "coot" and maybe some others, for aged persons.

I find myself agreeing with my mother, who said, "Call me old; call me aged; even call me over the hill. But don't call me a senior citizen!"

Okay, I am senior, I guess, at 79. And I am certainly a citizen. But to put those two words together as one descriptor implies that my citizenship is in some way different from that of other citizens. That's wrong, whether it implies greater or lesser privileges, duties, dignity, or status.

So call me old or aged if you like; call me an old geezer, an old coot (and yes, "over the hill" if you think that's true); but don't call me a senior citizen!

Dave Oesterreich


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 12:19 PM

"That word in print has no where near the power of it when spoken in public."

It's used almost as a form of greeting, here in Torquay...except you have to say it with a Sarf London accent, innit, know wot I mean, like, fuck, sniff, spit, burp, belch, no apology, fuck, scratch yer private parts....

Ah, for the Good Ol' Days, eh?

The *best* way to use 'Fuck' is with a *very* posh accent and a sweet smile. If you say it when you have your pearls on, even *better*! Although I appreciate you in pearls may have a somewhat different effect to me, Kendall..

;0)

I like Peace's 'FOOK!' best...and his PFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFT! still has a long way to go to be matched..


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 12:33 PM

Uncle DaveO: "I find myself agreeing with my mother, who said, "Call me old; call me aged; even call me over the hill. But don't call me a senior citizen!"

Ah, yes another one of those insipid 'politically correct' terms. They just want to make you puke!

I have a friend who insists that he is an 'old curmudgeon'.....and he is too!

GfS


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 01:17 PM

I never wear pearls, they just clash with my trainers.

I'm not yet old enough to resent being called any of those names. You see, in my mind I am not an old man I'm a young man with some very serious problems.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 01:56 PM

Throw the trainers overboard, Cap'n. Keep the pearls.


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 05:25 PM

Personally I find all this modern crap about not using certain words because they might cause offence to someone is a load of bollocks. Yes, on the one hand I don't wish to cause anyone any offence. I wish to treat people as I would wish to be treat. And yet, WHY does everyone look for offence thse days? Often where none is intended?
Lighten up you fuckers!!!


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: Art Thieme
Date: 25 Jul 10 - 09:57 PM

A good friend took Oxycontin for a long time.

He became an oxymoron!

Art


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Subject: RE: BS: offensive words
From: kendall
Date: 26 Jul 10 - 06:08 AM

What do you mean when you say " look for offense"?? I don't know anyone who has to go looking for something that is offensive. We are becoming less and less civilized and the vocabulary of too many people consists of four letter words. There was a time when people gave up that kind of language as they grew up.


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