It’s nothing short of a miracle that we humans can communicate with each other – even just a little bit.The words we use and how we talk to each other are very nuanced and driven by our intentions for speaking. Are we chewing the fat, having a tete-a-tete? Word of mouth means “passing information between people using oral communication.” This could be as simple as telling someone the time, sharing that you really like restaurant A, or indulging in delicious gossip. Word of mouth can equal communication and understanding, but also the opposite. I may hear your words, but not have a clue what you mean! OMG it can be LOL, which is whole other language to reach misunderstanding. I hope you might enjoy some of my research and use of creative language.
Slang: informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech usually used by a particular group of people. For example, in Mafia speak “ painting houses” means murdering someone. If you don’t understand someone’s use of slang it’s hard to decipher the meaning of their word of mouth. I don’t understand some of the current slang, so sometimes I have to ask my son things like what does “bougie” means. ( Ask a teenager) Each generation has their own slang. I listen to teenagers and I hear words that sound like a foreign language to me. Is there “old speak” and “youth speak”? Or is it that kids just don’t listen, and old people have nothing important to say? How do I acknowledge these differences and still talk to different age groups in a meaningful way? It’s my responsibility to keep learning and remain open to the “new” news and new words. I could discover that I’ve changed my mind on some issues or that I can laugh at my certainties or foibles and that is groovy, dope, solid and rad.
Sarcasm: the use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say especially in order to insult someone, to show irritation, or to be funny. I love sarcasm except when it is directed at me! Things can get really murky with sarcasm because what I want to communicate may well be the opposite of what I actually say. “You are so smart.” could really mean, “You are a dumb shit.”. Do you catch my drift? (Slang for “Do you understand what I mean?”) Sarcasm can really hurt someone and the speaker can deny they said anything mean, i.e.”Get over it.I’m just kidding.” I can escape accountability while still hurting people with my words. Experts at sarcasm can be masters in gaslighting. I am a word person so I need to remind myself to limit my sarcasm and plainly and directly express my feelings. I need to ask others to do the same.
Comeback: a sharp or witty reply: retort. I’ve missed more than a few turns while driving because of fretting about what would have been the perfect comeback. I am not the most assertive person or quick thinker when I’m upset, so I often have to resort to practicing comebacks alone in my car. A good comeback can be so satisfying, but the timing is so crucial. I offer you a few of my favorite comebacks with the hope you will be able to use them when the time is right: 1. If I wanted to hear from an asshole, I’d fart.; 2. Were you born this stupid or did you take lessons?; 3. Please just tell me you don’t plan to homeschool your kids.
Just in case you want to be an informed voter you should know that political speech is such a manipulative cluster f**k. Oh my, you’ve got dog whistles, propaganda, facism, racism and just plain old lies. Don’t get me started…. And don’t roll your eyes at me, I know what you are saying! I am trying to understand your point of view, but see #3 above.
Parents all over the world admonish their children to “ Use your words.” Word of mouth starts in the crib. Say what you mean, mean what you say and try to be kind
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