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Re: vulgarisms

From:Keenan <makeenan@...>
Date:Thursday, November 12, 1998, 2:08
This is an interesting idea.
Vulgar originally meant of the common people. Ergo the word appears in
the phrase 'Vulgar Latin'.

This kind of stuff is very definately cultural. What's considered vulgar
in one culture wouldn't be in another.

English has an interesting historical developement from the norman
conquest. A whole class of anglo-saxon words became unacceptable in
upperclass society while the French word for the same thing was
considered O.K.

I never really understood this until I started reading Irish (Gaeilge)
prose,and noticed that they dropped those words in with no apparent
shame. It wasn't the author it was _me_ and the notions I brought with
me from the English speaking world.

The Irish style of cursing, at least in the 'Gaeilge' speaking part of
it is mostly religious. 'T'anam don diabhal' You're soul to the devil.
'Bas gan sagart duit' Death without a priest to you. etc. etc.

In the part of Ireland where English is spoken, sexual cursing and
bodily function swearing are common. So  guess there must be a cultural
difference between those who speak Irish ,and, those who speak English.

Or am I just talking a bunch of 'shite'?

Xto
-Duke