Posted by IsoM on June 26, 2002, at 14:27:38
In reply to Re: bad words, posted by Dr. Bob on June 26, 2002, at 9:48:14
I don't use on-line dictionaries, sorry. I keep my big, thick one handy beside me at the computer. Our family is very word oriented & use a dictionary & thesarus frequently. We even like to read them. :-)
Anyway, my dictionary doesn't use taboo or vulgar for 'shit' but just defines it as excrement. It does mention that when used in the meaning of worthless or rubbish, it's then considered 'slang'. It's the way I grew up & always understood the word. In fact, poop sounds much more vulgar (to me, that is).Your comment about unwrapping a package & rather finding someone leaving off a difficult one more acceptable than a offensive one - I agree with you. But just to note, I've stopped 'unwrapping' some posts because I find them offensive even though they don't use swearing. It's my own personal concept of what I find offensive but I would never tell others not to unwrap it. Each person can choose to read what they'd like.
The example of what I used about "feeling shitty" - I feel I'm fairly articulate but many aren't. And even with my use of the English language, there's times I feel so miserable or foggy that I can't summon the brain power to find a better way of expressing myself. Sometimes people cry out for help in less than an articulate manner but need help as much as those who don't offend anyone.
On the whole, I think we do agree on what should be allowed & what shouldn't. I think our difference is that sometimes I think a little more leniency is needed.
About occasional mistakes, I'd never censor my sons for coming hime late because of something beyond their control. In fact, I'm very understanding about loosing track of time too (a major problem of mine still at my age). I'd just admonish them & remind them to be more careful. And if it happened more than once, I'd make them buy a watch with an alarm that they could set to buzz in time to get home. I try to look for new solutions if they old ones aren't working well.
poster:IsoM
thread:5720
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020510/msgs/5827.html