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What is it about words that sets y'all off?

For me, it's not just words. Some songs do that too. I have to turn the radio/TV off when they come on. No real reason. My husband finds it quite frustrating - I sometimes suddenly snap, and ask him to "Turn that off or I'll leave the room." It's almost a physical reaction.


#57560 02/18/02 07:46 PM
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#57561 02/19/02 03:55 AM
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But if it's not wrong, why does it provoke such strong reactions? If you were taught that you look good in a red sweater and you suddenly start seeing people wearing blue sweaters (assuming you're not a Blood) I hope you don't get all freaky. What is it about words that sets y'all off?

I suspect that you've come remarkably close to identifying it within what you've stated here, Faldage.

Language - in terms of being both spoken and heard - is like a comfortable pair of shoes. When you are wearing your most comfortable jogging / walking shoes there are no screams of pain, or complaint about what you can and cannot do in those shoes. However, go out and buy a new pair of stilettos, put them on and try them out for a while and speaking from experience there will be pain, blisters, sore muscles and a lot of complaints. You might adjust to the stilettos after a while, but may never quite be as comfortable in them as you were in your other shoes.

Does this explain why some people can't cope with variances in language? It's just a theory, but generally speaking I find, people don't cope well with change, and when they are faced with it, take time to adjust. Some people can ignore the variances. Why? Maybe their rules weren't as rigid when they were learning, maybe they were taught to look for meaning rather than "correct" usage.

OK, there's my theory. And if the stiletto fits... wear it with pride!

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Bean and Max - can I join the club please?

[preparing to dodge various thrown objects] I cannot abide the moanings of Steely Dan ("The Greatest Guitar Band In The World" - yeah right - where are they now? - on second thoughts, I don't care!), Boz "2-Note" Scaggs (in his early days especially) and......wait for it.....Van Morrison!!! (Well, his singing anyway - he does turn out some good lyric)

I'm resigned to the fact that I'm probably the only guy on the planet who thinks this way about VM. NEVER trust anybody that sings with their eyes shut. They're the sort of self indulgent b's that believe their own BS.

Ah well - it's good to be another thread on the rich tapestry of life! Thanks for your time.

stales


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#57564 02/19/02 08:51 AM
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> the uglier they sound, the more intense my dislike of them

Max - to my ear at least, German is a harsh language. Do you dislike it for the same reasons?

Just wondering.

stales


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#57566 02/19/02 10:13 AM
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I'm resigned to the fact that I'm probably the only guy on the planet who thinks this way about VM. NEVER trust anybody that sings with their eyes shut. They're the sort of self indulgent b's that believe their own BS.

Well-known fact that Irish people sing with their eyes shut. It's a Celtic thang! [guilty as charged emoticon]

But I agree with you about Van. He was good back with Them (Gloria, Baby Please don't go - Great guitar riff!!). Gone a bit South since his middle-age.


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I hate ugly words, end of story. That's why I hate prioritise, pro-active, fuck, haitch, and any number of others.

They're three of my favourite words, Max! . I try to use them at least once a day but I will try to change my ugly ways. [Taking-the-piss and not to be taken seriously emoticon]


#57568 02/19/02 02:47 PM
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Gone a bit South[E.A.] since his middle-age.

Where? The South shall rise again!


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