Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Soft Language


As a lover of language with a special interest in the meanings of words, one of the things I find very frustrating is when we refuse to say what we mean. Here's a clip of George Carlin's discussion of the plague of soft language that sums up what I'm talking about (warning: adult language* ahead) ...



And I'm not a "senior citizen" ... I'm a geezer, and proud of it.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* That would be "dirty words" in a more forthright time.

11 comments:

  1. I don't like being referred to as a "senior" either. I was one for a year in 1961-62.

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  3. allenwoodhaven7:28 AM

    I love George Carlin and hadn't heard this rant. He does them so well!

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  4. George Carlin had a serious point. Comprehending soft language is sort of like tacking Jello to the wall.

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  6. I'm still a Curmudgeon in training with much to learn from experts like you and Mike!

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  7. Love George Carlin, so thanks for posting this hilarious video. So 'right on' about our invented language. How about the 'flight attendant', since men are also in the roles now?

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  8. When I worked in a store, I was an associate. Not a salesperson.

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  9. When I worked at the phone company I went from being a repairman to a technician.

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  10. I loved George Carlin.
    He'd have a field day with our world today if he were still here.

    Bill Cosby's accusers would all be unwilling sperm recipients.
    That was a hoot, the observation, not the act.

    I not a senior citizen no matter what my AARP card says. :-)

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  11. I can understand not wanting to be called a senior citizen.

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