Words

I find the way words/phrases are used, is both interesting and sometimes telling.  An apology when I was growing up was expressed differently and seemed more genuine.  Some people put much thought into an apology and therefore when it was expressed it was well received.  I’ve noticed in today’s society when someone has done something that justifies an apology they simply say “My Bad”.  Interestingly enough, that sounds more like a witty insult rather than an apology.  There is absolutely no thought connected with the “My Bad” apology.  I admit I have used that phrase on occasion but not as an apology just as a witty comment to a relative or friend intended as a joke or wisecrack.

I’ve also heard people are puzzled by someone’s use of the phrase “No Problem” as a response instead of “Your Welcome”.  For some reason this doesn’t bother me as much, but I have made a point to use “Your Welcome” more often since the phrase “No Problem” may bother others.

Recently I read where Beyonce is campaigning to ban the word “Bossy”.  She states “I’m not bossy I’m the boss”.  If you think about it that statement sounds kind of “Bossy” at least it does to me.  The truth is some people are shy, loud, quite, outgoing, energetic, negative, enthusiastic, and yes bossy.  There are many more words used to describe people and their personality traits and at times we can be described by more than one.  The more I think about it the more I’m convinced that “Bossy” is not necessarily a negative word like Beyonce seems to imply.  Maybe there is a time to be bossy so don’t be ashamed of it just don’t make it a pattern. 

New words/phrases come into existence daily and to me (older generation) some seem inappropriate just as over time some words, which were acceptable 30 or 40 years ago have become inappropriate now.  It can be difficult for some older people to understand why these words are no longer acceptable in today’s culture but it is also just difficult to understand why some of these new words are acceptable.  I’m guessing many people do not mean to be disrespectful of others by using these words.  Where and how we were brought up plays a big part in how we speak, so take this into consideration.

I look at banning words like banning books, it’s imposing on my personal rights.  So even though I don’t agree with the phrase “My Bad” as an acceptable apology, I don’t believe in banning words or phrases.  “Just Saying…..”