I had an interesting conflict with a staff member at my son's school who felt that his use of Bathroom words(that what we call it at our house because it belongs only in the bathroom) outside the classroom was a serious offense that needed serious consequences. even though he was a kind helpful excellent student. I say lighten up. You need to pick you battles with kids.
MaryannOctober 26, 2013
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." EPH. 4:29 I LOVE this scripture! I think the Lord expects us to be a refined people. I hear the English language becoming so corrupted with slang and coarse words. I think sometimes people use words that would cause them to blush if they knew the meaning of what they were saying. The Primary children sing: "If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?" That is a great guide to use as we choose the words we speak.
hmmOctober 26, 2013
So, what is anyones opinion on J Golden Kimball?
There IS a difference between swearing and saying other words you mentioned. I understand wanting your children to grow up and be great citizens with a fabulous vocabulary, but this could be taking it to the extreme. When someone who isn't LDS reads this, they may be turned off by the fact that it seems to be a nit picky religion.
I know posting this probably won't change your opinion, but I hope that you're not judgemental and that you're not teaching your children to be.
CopymenschOctober 26, 2013
It depends on where you live. And when. "Crap" comes from Middle English (think, Chaucer) and originally meant "garbage, rubbish, litter, refuse," and not necessarily excrement. See "The Browser's Dictionary," by John Ciardi. To me, it is not a swear word.
BBOctober 24, 2013
I don't mind crap, probably because my very ancient and devout grandparents used it. However I think "sucks" sounds so vulgar and low class. It amazes me how many children as well as adults use this word.
sueOctober 23, 2013
I think that after listening to President Hinckly give talks for years, something he said made me realize that it isn't even necessary to say something when you are suddenly mad or upset or frustrated. We had a discussion about this very thing in Gospel Doctrine one day and the younger couples thought these kinds of words were ok but the older people didn't agree. I think Charley Brown's expression- "Good Grief! "might be a great solution if you have to express your frustration. I grew up with parents who swore and it took me years to get those words out of my head but they are now gone.
MarieOctober 23, 2013
I have a child, now grown, who when he was four, had a definite need to cuss when things went wrong for him. He didn't hear or know any cuss words so he made one up. It is, "P-T-Koink!" Said very loudly while you stamp your foot. When this happened of course, we, the parents, broke into fits of laughter, which only infuriated him more. If you have a child like this, empathize a little with his feelings and help him soothe himself. Probably a good idea no matter what cuss word is said :-)
sixpacktrOctober 22, 2013
Loved the article. I always am amazed at how uptight we Mormons get over 'swear' words. Shut up was a common word in our home, as were idiot and several others. And they were, indeed, fighting words. Save your battles for the big things. At times, the only way you can truly let off steam is to let fly with some really good swear words. And sometimes those words are the only thing that truly describe a situation. I'm not advocating that folks let it all hang out over the pulpit (which I've seen happen) but at the same time, let's just chill a bit. And if someone swears to themself, don't get yer undies in a bunch.....
AngelaOctober 22, 2013
I was once severely embarrassed by a mischievous gospel doctrine teacher who asked me to read a passage from the OT containing a word that is no longer used in polite society. The same word also appears in Shakespeare plays. Language changes over time and words that were once quite acceptable are now perceived by some as vulgar, or even as swear words. As far as the "c" word used by Margaret Anderson is concerned, it's an abbreviation of Sir Thomas Crapper's name. Sir Thomas Crapper, for those who don't know, invented the flush toilet. Go figure.
KathleenOctober 22, 2013
Loved your article!!
PaulOctober 22, 2013
made my day, carry on!
Janice hurstOctober 22, 2013
My personal opinion is that 'crap' is no more a swear word than the made up Mormon word 'friggin". We know what it co notates so you should just use the word. I think everyone needs a word that means dissatisfaction and says it in such a way to know we are unhappy. Crap is such a word.
Doug GarrettOctober 22, 2013
Oh, I just love this article, so cleverly articulated. Very timely too because just this sunday the teacher in our G.Doc. class used a word, that I can now class as "ugly"
and it's still resinating in my head. I don't know but I suspect some others in my age spectrum may feel the same way. His lessons are always exceptional, insperational and motivational and as a former Bishop, it's hard to rationalize why he chose this expression except perhaps for " shock value". But I find this time, this lesson, all I took away from the class was an unnecessary but definate harsh personal re-appraisal of the teacher. I know, I will forget it over time and all the wonderful lessons he gave and the wonderful person he is ,will once more smother the other " different" thoughts that immediately filled my head. Thanks for the affirmation that " WORD BOMBS" no matter how clever, always have an effect. The caution though is, the effects may not always be what we hoped for..
Doug G
Richard BowermanOctober 22, 2013
Well, if it's not a swear word, it's a substitute for a swear word. I think its origin comes from the same place as the toilet--invented by Mr. Crapper. People would "go to the 'crapper'", take a "crap", etc., and today the word is synonymous with the "s" word. We would be horrified to hear the word in General Conference, right? So let's set the example for the world and elevate our language by eliminating this word, along with other near-expletives, such as "friggin' " and "fart".
JoyceOctober 22, 2013
That reminds me of something my brother called me when I was really little. He said I was a "stupid idiot". I said "I may be an idiot but I'm not stupid" (I knew what stupid meant but not idiot)
Alice MarshOctober 22, 2013
Wow! Your article was timely. Sunday in the library someone said "Crap". I asked if they knew what that meant. Well it means ST! Newly wed I thought I would be smart and I used that word--which I never had before--my none religious husband said-"Do you know what that means? Yes! We don't use that kind of language in our home. I have always had an aversion to hearing it and now it is a very common word. I'm saddened when I hear it as it still makes me very uncomfortable!
Lexa GraemeOctober 22, 2013
"Crap" was an accepted word in my house. It was not until I was in college that I found that some could be offended by it. Yeah, it's not so cute when the little ones say it, though. Just try not to laugh the first time they say it, and keep moving on.
Freaking out over "stupid" and "S-H-U-T U-P" is beyond overkill. We banned the first one in my house, but I heard both of them whilst growing up. I think I turned out level-headed. Teaching children to freak out over these words is just asking them to be way oversensitive. People are going to say worse than "crap", and they're going to be told "shut up", and someone will call them "stupid". They will get laughed at if they fly off the handle. Reserve that reaction for when children invoke Deity, or use the really bad words. I'm more concerned with those.
SusanOctober 22, 2013
I had to chuckle at this because I spent years telling my kids not to say "crap." Then I finally gave up after they left home and it became the word I used when I was totally frustrated and would have cussed. If my grown kids hear me say it now, they say, "I can't believe you said that. You always told us it was a bad word to say." I just tell them that they convinced me it was OK to say. Darned if you do, darned if you don't.
Gail HansenOctober 22, 2013
I like the way you have described these words
A Happy HubbyOctober 22, 2013
Good read! I enjoyed it and learned a few parenting tips.
JillOctober 22, 2013
I cringe every time I hear this word. I know it's commonplace these days (I've even heard it used in a Relief Society lesson - ouch!) but I don't like it. When I was young (here in Australia), it was on a par with the 'sh' word and let's face it, we all know it still means the same thing! It was off-limits in my Seminary class. What they said outside of class wasn't my concern, but it is unbecoming of an LDS young man or woman to have that kind of language in their vocabulary, so in my classroom it wasn't to be heard.
ElissaOctober 22, 2013
It also depends were you are from. In Australia I consider that a swear word and was horrified on my mission when all the US missionaries used it. they were equally horrified by my use of H... and D.... - which I would point out are found in the scriptures, but are not considered swearing in Australia.
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jennifer ruebenOctober 29, 2013
I had an interesting conflict with a staff member at my son's school who felt that his use of Bathroom words(that what we call it at our house because it belongs only in the bathroom) outside the classroom was a serious offense that needed serious consequences. even though he was a kind helpful excellent student. I say lighten up. You need to pick you battles with kids.
MaryannOctober 26, 2013
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." EPH. 4:29 I LOVE this scripture! I think the Lord expects us to be a refined people. I hear the English language becoming so corrupted with slang and coarse words. I think sometimes people use words that would cause them to blush if they knew the meaning of what they were saying. The Primary children sing: "If the Savior stood beside me, would I say the things I say?" That is a great guide to use as we choose the words we speak.
hmmOctober 26, 2013
So, what is anyones opinion on J Golden Kimball? There IS a difference between swearing and saying other words you mentioned. I understand wanting your children to grow up and be great citizens with a fabulous vocabulary, but this could be taking it to the extreme. When someone who isn't LDS reads this, they may be turned off by the fact that it seems to be a nit picky religion. I know posting this probably won't change your opinion, but I hope that you're not judgemental and that you're not teaching your children to be.
CopymenschOctober 26, 2013
It depends on where you live. And when. "Crap" comes from Middle English (think, Chaucer) and originally meant "garbage, rubbish, litter, refuse," and not necessarily excrement. See "The Browser's Dictionary," by John Ciardi. To me, it is not a swear word.
BBOctober 24, 2013
I don't mind crap, probably because my very ancient and devout grandparents used it. However I think "sucks" sounds so vulgar and low class. It amazes me how many children as well as adults use this word.
sueOctober 23, 2013
I think that after listening to President Hinckly give talks for years, something he said made me realize that it isn't even necessary to say something when you are suddenly mad or upset or frustrated. We had a discussion about this very thing in Gospel Doctrine one day and the younger couples thought these kinds of words were ok but the older people didn't agree. I think Charley Brown's expression- "Good Grief! "might be a great solution if you have to express your frustration. I grew up with parents who swore and it took me years to get those words out of my head but they are now gone.
MarieOctober 23, 2013
I have a child, now grown, who when he was four, had a definite need to cuss when things went wrong for him. He didn't hear or know any cuss words so he made one up. It is, "P-T-Koink!" Said very loudly while you stamp your foot. When this happened of course, we, the parents, broke into fits of laughter, which only infuriated him more. If you have a child like this, empathize a little with his feelings and help him soothe himself. Probably a good idea no matter what cuss word is said :-)
sixpacktrOctober 22, 2013
Loved the article. I always am amazed at how uptight we Mormons get over 'swear' words. Shut up was a common word in our home, as were idiot and several others. And they were, indeed, fighting words. Save your battles for the big things. At times, the only way you can truly let off steam is to let fly with some really good swear words. And sometimes those words are the only thing that truly describe a situation. I'm not advocating that folks let it all hang out over the pulpit (which I've seen happen) but at the same time, let's just chill a bit. And if someone swears to themself, don't get yer undies in a bunch.....
AngelaOctober 22, 2013
I was once severely embarrassed by a mischievous gospel doctrine teacher who asked me to read a passage from the OT containing a word that is no longer used in polite society. The same word also appears in Shakespeare plays. Language changes over time and words that were once quite acceptable are now perceived by some as vulgar, or even as swear words. As far as the "c" word used by Margaret Anderson is concerned, it's an abbreviation of Sir Thomas Crapper's name. Sir Thomas Crapper, for those who don't know, invented the flush toilet. Go figure.
KathleenOctober 22, 2013
Loved your article!!
PaulOctober 22, 2013
made my day, carry on!
Janice hurstOctober 22, 2013
My personal opinion is that 'crap' is no more a swear word than the made up Mormon word 'friggin". We know what it co notates so you should just use the word. I think everyone needs a word that means dissatisfaction and says it in such a way to know we are unhappy. Crap is such a word.
Doug GarrettOctober 22, 2013
Oh, I just love this article, so cleverly articulated. Very timely too because just this sunday the teacher in our G.Doc. class used a word, that I can now class as "ugly" and it's still resinating in my head. I don't know but I suspect some others in my age spectrum may feel the same way. His lessons are always exceptional, insperational and motivational and as a former Bishop, it's hard to rationalize why he chose this expression except perhaps for " shock value". But I find this time, this lesson, all I took away from the class was an unnecessary but definate harsh personal re-appraisal of the teacher. I know, I will forget it over time and all the wonderful lessons he gave and the wonderful person he is ,will once more smother the other " different" thoughts that immediately filled my head. Thanks for the affirmation that " WORD BOMBS" no matter how clever, always have an effect. The caution though is, the effects may not always be what we hoped for.. Doug G
Richard BowermanOctober 22, 2013
Well, if it's not a swear word, it's a substitute for a swear word. I think its origin comes from the same place as the toilet--invented by Mr. Crapper. People would "go to the 'crapper'", take a "crap", etc., and today the word is synonymous with the "s" word. We would be horrified to hear the word in General Conference, right? So let's set the example for the world and elevate our language by eliminating this word, along with other near-expletives, such as "friggin' " and "fart".
JoyceOctober 22, 2013
That reminds me of something my brother called me when I was really little. He said I was a "stupid idiot". I said "I may be an idiot but I'm not stupid" (I knew what stupid meant but not idiot)
Alice MarshOctober 22, 2013
Wow! Your article was timely. Sunday in the library someone said "Crap". I asked if they knew what that meant. Well it means ST! Newly wed I thought I would be smart and I used that word--which I never had before--my none religious husband said-"Do you know what that means? Yes! We don't use that kind of language in our home. I have always had an aversion to hearing it and now it is a very common word. I'm saddened when I hear it as it still makes me very uncomfortable!
Lexa GraemeOctober 22, 2013
"Crap" was an accepted word in my house. It was not until I was in college that I found that some could be offended by it. Yeah, it's not so cute when the little ones say it, though. Just try not to laugh the first time they say it, and keep moving on. Freaking out over "stupid" and "S-H-U-T U-P" is beyond overkill. We banned the first one in my house, but I heard both of them whilst growing up. I think I turned out level-headed. Teaching children to freak out over these words is just asking them to be way oversensitive. People are going to say worse than "crap", and they're going to be told "shut up", and someone will call them "stupid". They will get laughed at if they fly off the handle. Reserve that reaction for when children invoke Deity, or use the really bad words. I'm more concerned with those.
SusanOctober 22, 2013
I had to chuckle at this because I spent years telling my kids not to say "crap." Then I finally gave up after they left home and it became the word I used when I was totally frustrated and would have cussed. If my grown kids hear me say it now, they say, "I can't believe you said that. You always told us it was a bad word to say." I just tell them that they convinced me it was OK to say. Darned if you do, darned if you don't.
Gail HansenOctober 22, 2013
I like the way you have described these words
A Happy HubbyOctober 22, 2013
Good read! I enjoyed it and learned a few parenting tips.
JillOctober 22, 2013
I cringe every time I hear this word. I know it's commonplace these days (I've even heard it used in a Relief Society lesson - ouch!) but I don't like it. When I was young (here in Australia), it was on a par with the 'sh' word and let's face it, we all know it still means the same thing! It was off-limits in my Seminary class. What they said outside of class wasn't my concern, but it is unbecoming of an LDS young man or woman to have that kind of language in their vocabulary, so in my classroom it wasn't to be heard.
ElissaOctober 22, 2013
It also depends were you are from. In Australia I consider that a swear word and was horrified on my mission when all the US missionaries used it. they were equally horrified by my use of H... and D.... - which I would point out are found in the scriptures, but are not considered swearing in Australia.
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