[Bruvva]

The editing out of "faggot" and "slut" from "Fairytale of New York" by the Pogues because some people may find them offensive. Who, exactly, has found them offensive

Faggots and sluts

Nope, the singular in both cases but thanks for contributing.

[Console]

I've never understood why (so called) swear-words are so 'bad'. Why can you not say 'slut', but can say 'promiscuous girl' and 'tramp'; what's the difference? Why can you say 'crap' or 'faeces', but not 'shit'? Evidently, it's not the meaning of the word that is offensive, but somehow the sound of it. It's absolutely ridiculous, especially when you consider that it's only really because people make such a big deal about these words (with perfectly acceptable synonyms) that they're tabooed at all.

[MK Chris]

I agree Console, I think people like to make a fuss of it. I think words that are rarely used (particularly in the media) are generally considered more taboo; I think if the word "*" (which is arguably the most taboo word around currently) was used more often, it would gradually lose its venom and like you say, it's just like saying "vagina" or "fanny".

[foot-loose]

Oh aye, S4B - I heard the word 'bint' the other night on the radio (said by the DJ in a pre-recorded feature).

So if he can say it, so can I.

Foot-loose 1
S4B - 0

[Boboff]

It is such a nice word to use in a row as well isn't it, it sounds so guttural and aggressive. But I suppose that is only through association, Punt, Stunt and Front are all acceptable.

Language is a ever changing thing, and it is true some words that were considered taboo a generation ago, are now acceptable. Any anyway I never saw the harm in calling someone a minced beef and Onion Savory Ball ?

[Zoot]

One of my colleagues uses the word 'Wench' alot in reference to some of the girls who work here. Its not a word you hear being used alot nowadays.

[MK Chris]

Someone once misheard me say my surname on the phone and I got an invoice addressed to "Chris Wench". This caused much hilarity in the office.

[claradooblue]

wench should be brought back to general usage. It's a fine word.
Wench wench wench.

[Andy B]

*Wait's for someone to post a picture of a wrench nstead*

[claradooblue]

or a winch..

[Bruvva]

Hooray for whining! Radio 1 have backed down and will now be playing the uncensored version of the song.

[S4B]

Oh aye, S4B - I heard the word 'bint' the other night on the radio (said by the DJ in a pre-recorded feature).

So if he can say it, so can I.

Foot-loose 1
S4B - 0

I never actually said you couldn't use it I just said I found it offensive, you can use it if you like just don't expect me to like it! I think you'll find the score is actually

Foot-loose 0
S4B - 1289.7

[foot-loose]

I can see why you chose to work in a bookshop. You'd make a crap mathematician.

[S4B]

Nothing wrong with my maths!

[foot-loose]

You should speak to Charlalalala for some decent comebacks - that was poor!

[S4B]

Not needing advice! Need to sleep and to be better!

[Yudster]

I've never understood why (so called) swear-words are so 'bad'. Why can you not say 'slut', but can say 'promiscuous girl' and 'tramp'; what's the difference? Why can you say 'crap' or 'faeces', but not 'shit'? Evidently, it's not the meaning of the word that is offensive, but somehow the sound of it. It's absolutely ridiculous, especially when you consider that it's only really because people make such a big deal about these words (with perfectly acceptable synonyms) that they're tabooed at all.

Because "promiscuous girl" is a description only, "slut" implies a negative judgement. Descriptions are merely that, but some specific words are only used perjoratively, and that's what causes the offence. You have to admit that the word "vagina" is generally used in a very different manner to the word c*nt, but technically they mean the same thing, supposedly.

[Console]

Because "promiscuous girl" is a description only, "slut" implies a negative judgement. Descriptions are merely that, but some specific words are only used perjoratively, and that's what causes the offence.

There are loads of words that can be used pejoratively, though, that aren't on a banned list. Moron, idiot, pussy, geek and nerd to name a few.

You have to admit that the word "vagina" is generally used in a very different manner to the word c*nt

True, but they're still both only words. What about 'shit' then? That can be used to mean 'poo', 'crap', or 'rubbish'. Why is that word a 'swear word'?

The obvious way around all of this, of course, is for people just to make up nonsense swear words, like they did on 'Recess' (this whomps).

[Yudster]

What about '*' then? That can be used to mean 'poo', 'crap', or 'rubbish'. Why is that word a 'swear word'?

Because mostly when it is used it is not to define or describe a pile of poop, it is to describe someone or something as a pile of poop, therefore it could be construed as offensive (because it is used with the intent to cause offence), and therefore becomes classified as a swearword.

On the whole though I agree, they're just words. I am extremely bad at avoiding them, but I do try, because however much I think they are "just words", it's a lazy way to express myself and as I said somewhere else, I don't like laziness. And I would rather not upset anyone else. Mostly.

[MK Chris]

I have never heard my mum swear in my life, except once, when I was about 15 and someone claimed I had called their son "shithead" (I hadn't and the full story is a bit longer than that anyway) and she got off the phone and said "do you know what she said? She said you called her son 'shithead'". I'd never been so shocked and possibly never will be again.

To my mum "dog poo" is about the biggest insult she can throw and even when quoting someone else, it's hilarious because she'll always say "boy without a daddy" instead of "bastard".

[foot-loose]

Mum said 'slut and faggot' at the dinner table last night.

That was a fun moment.

I'll let you guess why.

[Zoot]

Mum said 'slut and faggot' at the dinner table last night.

That was a fun moment.

I'll let you guess why.

You had a prostitute round for minced beef and onion balls in gravy?

[foot-loose]

Well... that prostitute explains half of it...

[Yudster]

Footy, what have you been up to?!

[foot-loose]

getting full of the Christmas spirit.