Way back in part 1, you'll recall I was teaching my kids naughty words. In the years since then, I haven't gone out of my way to teach them naughty words (nor have I bothered to avoid using them), and I'm happy to report that we haven't had any problems over this.
(Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that they probably say naughty words occasionally, but I don't notice because I don't care.)
I did tell Nico recently that saying certain words (especially f*ck) is a little like saying "Voldemort": Some people worried or upset when they hear it, as though the syllable itself had some sort of evil magic power. And it's important to keep in mind when deciding whether/when to use it.
But there's a far worse word out there. Leo has dubbed this word "the worst word in the world", and has forbidden me from ever saying it to him. Can you guess which one?
"Whatever."
Why is that the worst word?
"Because it means you're not listening to me."
see also parts 2, 3, and 4
The Adventures of a Friendly French-American ExMormon Atheist Mom Living in Switzerland!!!
7 comments:
Love the Voldemort comparison!
and also just as silly as being afraid to say "Voldemort." I think. I don't think fuck or damn or shit are bad words. They're strong words. Using them in situations where strong words aren't called for is inappropriate, but in a situation with strong emotions, strong words are called for. Mythbusters says yelling curse words increases your pain threshold too, so that makes them even more awesome. :D haha
I agree. Whatever is a horrible word.
I also love the Voldemort comparison, and I love the idea of someone saying, "What a Voldemorting load of shit."
Thanks!!!
I know I am somewhat deflecting the the direction of the post... because I agree with the need to banish the banality of "whatever" for usage. And though the whole fuck, shit, etc. is not an issue in our house though the responsibility for using those "bad" words in proper context outside the house is very high, my crusade these days is the abolition of the word "retard" and all of its derivatives.
It has now become a workplace word and is being used far and wide as a synonym for "ridiculous" which is a perfectly good word. When someone uses the R-word I have a hard time not immediately discounting them as a grossly unthoughtful person. Like "whatever" it shows that they have not even thought about what words mean and the emotion they carry with them.
I might have to use that once they watch HP. Just yesterday someone on TV made a joke about a word that rhymed with duck. My daughter didn't get the joke. "Truck? Cluck? Wha?"
We told her. I mean, why wouldn't you?
Hey Lars!!!
True, it's quite insensitive to use "retarded" like that/
Hey Lisa!!!
Absolutely!!!
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