Using the C-word
It has been interesting to read the controversy regarding Jane Fonda’s recent use of the C-Word on telly in America while discussing the V Monologues with the author, Eve Ensler.
My late grandfather regularly insulted us – his granddaughters – using the Gikuyu translation of the word. The Gikuyu version sounds 10008 million times worse than the English version. We were not special. My grandfather was an equal-opportunity abuser; any real or perceived slight (spilling his beer unintentionally which was what I did once constituted a colossal insult where my grandfather was concerned) was enough to get the old man swearing at one and all. I have subsequently learned that that side of the family are universally known for their bulls-eye insults.
I have one friend who swears all day long using the F-word and yet cannot bring herself to use the C-word – she calls it C U Next Tuesday. Interestingly, my friend is the most morally upright person I know.
I don’t swear and don’t know how to swear. I sometimes wish I did.
6 comments
The Gikuyu version of even being wooed sounds vulgar. I cannot being myself to use the C-word but do use the F-word something am working on.
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I must learn how to use the F-word. I think people who swear at a difficult and tense situation often feel better after they have uttered a few expletives. Imagine the relief at swearing at the situation in Kenya right now:)
What are the Kikuyu words for the C word and for being wooed. I’m dying of curiosity!
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Hee Mwanchi Mkenya, the only way I will tell you is if you move a little closer and then I can whisper the word in your ear:)
I think there is a shift in the use of “vulgar” words. I remember a time when “damn” was a curse, and now so many people use “the f” word frivolous. Hehehe, I swear, using the “f” word when I am really pissed, and would never use the “c” word.
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I agree with you regarding the shift, Majonzi. I remember when ‘damn’ was a curse word too. Now it and other words are used when expressing positive or negative emotions. Some people really do it well…
The C word is probably one of those words, like the N-word, oddly enough even the B word, that make me cringe.
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I hear you, Mwangi.
Interesting!
I wish i had any word form any of my grand fathers!
I wish i had seen him use his face with any expression!
I wish i had felt his rage even if it was for a minute!
I wish i wish, they are all my wishes. As i am born too late to even know who they were!
Coming back to the point of using harsh words,i think it is the frustrations and and failures that spill out of a persons mouth. My parents did use any strong words at all. The worst words used by my parents were “ignorant, ill-mannered” or some times “uneducated” i just wonder how people use bad words. When i moved to US i heard some of my worst English words. My previous stay was in a place where i just learn t the local language but never got the time or had interest to go learn the deeper words.
Now a days my younger daughter picks up a few objectionable words from the Montessori but we do change them and make them sound a bit cuter.
I think i will watch the baggage coming home for a bit more time. After that i am going to get rid of my philanthropic ideas and get her to a better school where i have kids with a bit more clean mouths.But i might loose diversity, My younger one will be able to adjust better with the harsher words than my older one as the older one hasn’t been exposed at all.
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Hi Deepti, I am curious to learn which generation you belong as I think perhaps you and I belong to a different one – some of the younger people who know of my feelings regarding using rude words think I am old fashioned and a prude! Thanks for your comment and I am glad to learn that you and Charles managed to connect and that Charles was fine:)
I find there is nothing more cathartic than a few, good swear words when i’m frustrated. Of course i have to mind the company i’m in.
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Hi candybox, thanks for dropping by – I really, really wish I could swear. I am sure it would take away that ‘frustration’. Alas
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