Words JWs--and ex-JWs--use :)

bebu

(Preface: I have never been a JW.)

I notice words and phrases that strike me really odd, used by JWs, and even by members on this board. One that comes readily to mind is the use of the words one or ones when referring to people. Interested ones or disfellowshiped ones or whatever. I am used to a more casual style of writing, and find the constant use of one or ones rather wooden. I would say people, folks, those who are interested, and ONLY occasionally, ones. Nowadays, when I read one(s) I immediately start thinking "JW-speak".

Another word that I only associate with JWs is fruitage. I've NEVER heard of this word before; it seems strange that it's still used so easily by any modern, English-speaking population. Folks ("Ones"), the common word is fruit. (It's additionally very economical in length over fruitage! Easier to spell! )

Off the topic, one thing I have found extremely annoying is the condescending tone of all WT writing. It is, as mentioned around here, about 4th grade level, although with all the spoonfeeding, I feel like a just-weaned child. Just the thought of being forced to read the stuff once before a meeting, and then have to hash it out for another hour makes me yearn for illegal drugs and great amounts of alcohol. (God would surely understand!) You guys have my deepest, deepest, deepest sympathy!

BTW, I hope no one takes any real offense from these comments. I have been thinking these things for a while; first time to bring it up. It seems that unusual words or phrases are still clinging to posters here, even after being out a while. I guess it is a testimony to how thoroughly you all read WT material... Ya poor things.

What do you think? Is it normal now? Have you noticed it at all?

bebu

trying-to-get-out-of-reading-a-proclaimers-book class Ergo unrelated remark about WT writings...

Happy Guy :)

I used to find the JW invented words or JW buzzwords annoying and I guess I still do to a certain degree. With the growth of the internet we have seen many non JW buzzwords or phrases that have become popular and mainstream like "downtime" or "online". So I think I am becoming much more insensitive to the use of buzzwords.

I can't remember where I read this first, it may have been in Jim Penton's book, he referred to it as "doublespeak" (if my memory serves correct). I think for many ex JWs, continuing to use these JW buzzwords serves as a common frame of referrence even if many ex JWs would themselves prefer to discontinue using them. When an ex JW uses a JW terminology we (we meaning those familiar with the terminology) can easily identify what situation they are trying to describe.

Happy Guy :)

oops double clicked my post.

Big Tex

Off the topic, one thing I have found extremely annoying is the condescending tone of all WT writing. It is, as mentioned around here, about 4th grade level, although with all the spoonfeeding, I feel like a just-weaned child. Just the thought of being forced to read the stuff once before a meeting, and then have to hash it out for another hour makes me yearn for illegal drugs and great amounts of alcohol

One of the sanest comments ever posted on this board.

You're dead on in your observations, it is condescending, and wooden and over-simplified to the point of idiociy. I think part of the exit from the Witnesses is removing not only the speech, but the attitudes and outlook. As Witnesses, we were taught we had THE truth and Jehovah loved us more than anyone else. That philosphy engenders itself easily to arrogance and condescension. It is sometimes hard for such ones to remove that fruitage from their personality when they exit (sorry, couldn't help myself).

I knew Witnesses who used to talk that way in everyday life. My mother-in-law used to mix in phrases such as "throw your burden on Jehovah" (always emphasizing the middle syllable). Once out in service a couple of bratty kids were acting up and I told them settle down. Their mother heard me and apparently had holy spirit descend upon her as she told her kids to "Listen to his voice".

I've always thought that the people who post here that were never JWs must sometimes be amazed at some of the idiotic articles that are churned out the "faithful and discreet slave". Honestly looking back at it, I can't believe I was suckered in. But then I started studying at 9, not exactly the most aware age.

Chris

CeriseRose

By calling people "ones," they are labelled and classified (YUCK!), and also de-personified and de-humanized. So it makes total sense that JWs would adopt that wording. How many JWs and ex-JWs come here and talk about how they couldn't stand to know that their fellow humans were being judged to oblivion? I think it's human nature to try to cope with what you think is a negative by changing perception. For example, saying:

"These 'ones' will be destroyed by Jehovah at Armageddon."

is a lot easier on the human psyche than:

"These flesh and blood human beings who you talk to and interact with, who are just like you and love their lives, are going to be viciously obliterated by a demanding psychopath we call God because they don't acknowledge his presence."

I agree with you, the jargon is awful. And everyone once in awhile I notice it creeping into my business writing. *blech*

shotgun

Damn you bebu and your worldly thinking...were a typical male run organization..we are right even when were wrong... and when were wrong...hey wait a minute were never wrong...it was Eve..it's all her fault.

I hope you mention the whole association of brothers in your prayers and thank God for the faithful and Discreet slave class who provide food at the proper time for his domestics...meat in due season and wild duck out of season.

Bubbamar

Yea - I noticed it in a letter from my mom. She said "entire inhabited earth." Now what is the point of that statement? Why not just say entire earth? or the whole earth? or how about "everyone"? It's cult-speak plain and simple. Hallmark sign of a cult - a special language.

bebu

Good ones!

Faithful and Discreet Slave is another example. I've known other translations, but not this one before.

Worldly--used frequently by many Christians, but more philosophically than vehemently

Class I had never heard this AT ALL before JWD. Of course, there's no clergy class, even though you've got a class for every other Biblical proper noun.

Food at the proper time (As in, Truth du jour)

Meat in due season--this phrase makes me think, "Just keep waiting for dinner, it's coming!"

Great comments, Cerise and Happy. Very, very interesting; makes a lot of sense.

bebu

blondie

Good ones!

Faithful and Discreet Slave is another example. I've known other translations, but not this one before.

This used to be Faithful and Discrete/Discreet Servant/Steward in the past pre-NWT.

Matthew 24:45 "Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?

KJV "faithful and wise servant"

Worldly--used frequently by many Christians, but more philosophically than vehemently

The WTS has gotten more PC about this and uses the phrase "non-witnesses" but still refers to behaviors and groups as "worldly."

Class I had never heard this AT ALL before JWD. Of course, there's no clergy class, even though you've got a class for every other Biblical proper noun.

This is a term used to justify the existence of the 144,000/remnant/anointed. Such as the apostle John pictured them so they are the John Class. The anointed before 1919 are referred to as the Elijah class and those after as the Elisha class; Naomi/Ruth class is another example of this. In this way every event and person in the Bible can be tied into the WTS/FDS.

Food at the proper time (As in, Truth du jour)

See NWT--Matthew 24:45-47

"Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?

Meat in due season--this phrase makes me think, "Just keep waiting for dinner, it's coming!"

This is an old phrase--pre NWT

give them meat in due season? (KJV)

Blondie

ConcernedMom

Thanks Blondie for the explanation of the "class" reference that a lot of posters use in their signatures. The first time my daughter's boyfriend referred to her as "wordly" she hit the roof. She took it to mean materialistic/greedy/shallow and was really offended. Now she uses it with sarcasm and rolled eyes. To me, it brought to mind some sophisticated, jetsetting lifestyle.---Deb

Words JWs--and ex-JWs--use :)

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