You won't hear any five-syllable swears
You're not doing it right, then.
Topics Ive Been Pondering On
by JWINQUESTION 109 Replies latest watchtower bible
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Viviane
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Onager
I think that the words have a violent nature to them. They're not always spoken forcefully in anger, but they are designed for it and carry that feeling with them. You won't hear any five-syllable swears -- these words are short and to the point, meant to be spat out. I tend to flinch when I hear swear words, so I can understand how JWIQ feels.
I agree they are short, sharp words that intensify a sentence. I disagree that this is what they were designed for or that they have a violent nature (although I'm not sure how a word can have a violent nature...). Originally these words were normal words that were a normal part of our language. The classic example is the many roads in the UK which are named GropeC* lane (or were, they have almost all been changed now). This word was on our roadsigns! I completely understand the flinching though, I appreciate that things are different today. The question I'm asking is why these words. There thousands of short sharp words that can be viciously spat. Why do we pick on these? (my theoretical answer: because of the Normans!).
This is a bit ironic since I do swear in private, but the difference is that I am expressing my anger while others are not around. Having someone else say them to me is a bit like being swatted in the face because of the power of the words. I think it's better for relations with other people if we moderate our expressions when talking to them instead of going full-bore, and most people do indeed moderate their emotion when interacting with others, including toning down their speech.
This may just be a bloke thing, but I've noticed that the closer knit the group is, the more they hurl abuse at each other. :) It's not to upset the other person, the swearing actually intenstifies the group bond. It says "look, I can say these taboo words to you and it's ok!". It's also pretty much the only way straight men have of saying "I love you man."
At the very least, even when the swear words are not making me flinch, they at least tell me I am dealing with someone of a lower social standing. Strangers simply don't use words like that with each other where I come from. Among friends, of course, we speak in a way that we know they're comfortable with, and some groups of friends think that swearing is no big deal.
... and we're back to the Normans again! Sitting in their castles and despising the lowly Anglo Saxon peasants working in the fields. Here's another example of how our language is keeping the tyrannical boot on the common mans neck. when it's on a plate (in the castle) it's called Beef which is a French word (Norman). When it's alive in a muddy field it's called Cattle which is an Anglo Saxon word. It's the same for Pork (Swine) and Mutton(Sheep). Our whole language is one of social tyranny! (it's not really, I've gone too far).
Anyway, arguing over the denotations of the words is not useful because we these words have been given a taboo nature. We can't be expected to throw away centuries of cultural conditioning and use them like any other words. It's a faulty argument which pretends that words don't have connotations, and it's a line of thinking that no one follows when actually choosing their words carefully during a conversation so as to avoid giving offense.
Why can't we throw away centuries of cultural conditioning? That's what the Suffragettes did! Instead of burning our bra's let us burn our dictionaries!!
(I've definitely gone too far now!!)
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Apognophos
It could be that some of us are simply more sensitive (over-sensitive?) due to our nature and/or upbringing, but to me the big swear words are violent because they are a raw form of expression about impolite topics. You'll notice that there are no swear words that involve mundane subjects like hats or fruit; they're either scatological, sexual, or blasphemous (those seemed more popular in more religious times, like "gadzooks" and "zounds").
Even if the words didn't start off with such strong connotations, they eventually came to be used to express strong emotions by referencing topics which normally aren't discussed in polite company.
This is purely conjectural, but perhaps a person's sensitivity to these words reflects their underlying discomfort with the subject matter of the words; if they are uncomfortable with sex, then the "f" word makes them uncomfortable, etc. I say this as somebody who feels disgust towards all bodily functions.
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jgnat
Absolutely classic, Steven Pinker's presentation on swearing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BcdY_wSklo
and
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JWINQUESTION
Well, I've been digging into a site that was recommended by some users called "JWFACTS". So much information on there about JW history. Never knew such things existed. Thanks for the heads up.
I would like to get the original copy of the "The Finished Mystery" just to read it.
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Apognophos
Yes, JWfacts is a real eye opener. I had to verify some material myself from my Library CD-ROM, like the flip-flop on banning organ transplants. Sadly, none of that material is made up.
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jgnat
Here's an online version if budget is a consideration.
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Apognophos
ILoveTTATT was just selling "The Finished Mystery" over here, not sure if it's been taken yet: http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/285020/1/WT-Books-for-Sale
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sunny23
Look into blood transfusions, 1914, 1975, disfellowshipping, and other questionable doctrine on JWFACTS. Happy truth seeking :)
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daringhart13
Welcome to the board.
Read 2 Tim 3:16, 17.
Do you believe those are inspired words?
Now ask yourself: How can I be a Jehovah's Witness?