With new bad words in dictionary, the demand for derision stands satisfied

The inclusion of a widely-used English vulgarity of a scatological nature in a German dictionary last week after it was even used by the German Chancellor Angela Merkel points to how much the boundaries of “free” speech have expanded. Indeed, the overuse of imprecations in popular culture —particularly those of a sexual nature — has led to a definite diminution in their ability to repulse a vast section of people. So much so that the use of asterisks and beeps to save people their blushes has become redundant, at least for the usual four-lettered suspects. That should logically mean a reduction in odious execrations overall, but the need to offend, and the propensity to be offended, never diminishes. So, either new words have had to be created or existing words reanointed as slurs to satisfy the demand for derision.

However, the recent reported loss in TV chef Paula Deen’s earnings and the rise in CNN’s viewership that hinged on the same issue — the use of “the N-word” — demonstrates that it all depends on context and audience. Habitual offenders should count themselves lucky, therefore, that even as the stinging power of age-old cuss words has decreased, rising political correctness and changing taboos continue to ensure an alternative list of proscribed words and phrases —mostly alluding to race, age and appearance.