Word!
Remember the exclamation that was popular a few years ago: Word!
It’s an affirmation.
Hey, I’m getting married.
Word!
Wanna eat sushi?
Word!
It was more of a guy thing – my brother used to say it.
I’ve been thinking about words a lot lately.
Probably because I’m a writer. Also because I just listened to a "Sticks and Stones" sermon.
The preacher said words can kill a soul. Or bring a person to life.
I have a friend. When I see her (or find one of her e-mails in my in-box, or talk with her on the phone), my heart flies. She never has an unkind word. She’s one of those people who builds others up, yet avoids flattery.
I have another friend with three sons. She’s taught her kids well, especially how to talk. They address adults with respect (hello, sir; hello ma’am). They say yes instead of yeah, no instead of nah. They don’t use slang like, Whatever! or How stupid! or Interesting (what does that mean anyway?).
Over here? Me? Guilty!
I’m a messy talker. I fling around criticism and judgments more often than I care to admit. My words can be careless and casual.
But I’ve been thinking, aren’t I called to a higher task, especially as a writer.
Words have so much power. The arrangement of those 26 alphabet letters? Life or death.
So – what if I think a horrible, terrible thought? Do I share that on the page? After all, I write personal essay and memoir.
If I’m working on a piece, and I want to be truthful, do I admit I screamed the S-word? Or is it my responsibility to find another way to describe the scene – a way that’s still real, but doesn’t include the trash talk?
This new career is pushing me in ways I never imagined. I love the challenge.
Word!
posted by Jenny at 1:39 PM
5 Comments:
I still say "word." But only with my husband and only kidding. I do a little arm flip with it, like it's riding the wave out the car window.
"Wurrrrd." I say
Then, we laugh...and laugh! (at least, I do)?
But seriously, you bring up some good points. I have a love hate relationship with expletives. Love saying them! Hate the idea of offending anyone.
4:59 PM
Funny. I'm pretty much the opposite of Michelle. Rarely, rarely cuss, but feel there are times in stories that nothing else conveys the emotion of the moment.
As far as our writing work, the only obligation I think we have is to tell the Truth as we know it, even when it shows that we're less than perfect, even when we say things we fear will offend others.
Such an interesting topic, Jenny. Thanks for bringing it up.
1:25 PM
The only time I object to use of particular words in writing or speech is when they're used out of laziness. I love to hear descriptions of objects or situations that are precise and short, but I don't like it when people use cliches or expletives or "...you know..." instead of taking the time and energy to make sure I really understand. As a writer, I often find myself becoming lazy with words and have to force myself to be the reader to step it up.
I love it when you make me think, Jenny!
1:35 PM
Sometimes word is exactly the right um word. I just found your post and am enjoying it a lot, both as a fellow writer and as a reader. Thanks!
8:38 AM
@#$% what you heard, say word
10:04 PM
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