Posts Tagged ‘Curse’

by HOF

There are only a few choice words that can be defined by their first letter. There is the N-word, and C-word. You have the B-word, L-word, and maybe even an A-word. I think. But none have the flexibility or wide possible range of application as the F-word. It even has multiple descriptions: Grand-daddy, mother-of-all, F-bomb, etc. Not many words like this exist in our language. Especially ones that can cross gender lines, personal lines, even sidelines, and still tote the same clout.

This word carries an overall negative connotation, but I disagree on some levels. Now I know we have all used this word to its fullest extent and maybe even tried to carry its meaning a bit further by using it as adjective, verb, noun, predicate, pronoun, etc. Thus evidencing its diversity. Needless to say the possibilities are perceivably endless. 

But despite its versatility, I personally can’t stand to hear it. Let’s face it, because of its diversity, it can make a conversation sound completely dull. In reality, uneducated, and ignorant even. This mother of all words has become the word of choice, a filler for “ands, ors, buts, etc.,” when no other word can be found. I am not excused from such use. But because of this reason it loses its significance. It no longer carries the clout that comes with such a word when uttered in the right context.

But I have come to realize its potential when used properly. And when used properly, the word can have significance. 

There are two times, at least when carrying on a convo with me, that the mother of words can be used and still carry some intellectual weight. After all we have embraced it. It is in our dictionaries now. So I say use it. But use it in the right places, properly, and your intellectual conversation has authority and maybe even some hilarity.

I came up with this premise over a family vacay when a relative had slipped in an F-bomb only to instantly be disdained for his actions by other family members present. (And maybe rightfully so as there were some of the younger kids present in the room.) But I came to his defense. I threw out my ideas of the proper use of such word and how acceptable it is when used properly. And according to such theory my relative had indeed correctly used it. 

I have come up with two such occasions.

First occasion is for Emphasis. When using it for emphasis it carries much more weight when it is not shouted. For every other word can be voiced appropriately during a tirade but for the “big one” to take effect, for it to come out with a full head of meaningful steam, it must be uttered in normal voice. The key is to not emphasize the word. Say it as if it is just part of the sentence. Of course, if you only utter such word in these occasions and no other time it has weight.

Second occasion is for Comedy. How funny can this word be? Honestly, when used in proper context this word is pretty funny. The word has a comedic element because it so diverse, funny because it means so many things, and funny because it can be vulgar. Yes, vulgar. Mix vulgarity into a whimsical situation, dropped unexpectedly and voila, you have humorous success. 

Now I present a challenge. Can the word be used for comedy and emphasis? Well I say, “abso-fuckin-lutely.” Only on rare occasions can this be pulled off nicely though. And sometimes only the sender of such comment may understand its comedic effect. On the flip side maybe only the receiver could find humor in it. If that is the case then it doesn’t work amusingly.

I challenge all to consider such points when conducting your conversation. I say use the F-word, I say let it ring out. But don’t use it without taking into the consideration its effect, its emotional, connotative stance it brings to the situation.