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November 6, 2007
Fact Or Crap?
Apparently “crap” is no longer the semi-cuss word it used to be, although I’m not sure who okayed its inclusion into mainstream conversation. It certainly wasn’t me.
One culprit must be the board game Fact or Crap
The game is nothing more than “True or False” dressed in a tuxedo. Picasso was a Cubist. Fact or Crap? Titanium is the hardest natural substance in the world. Fact or Crap?
The game got off to a slow start when Drew thought the game was called “Fact or Take a Crap.” He was worried about his ability to produce every single time an incorrect assertion was read.
Once the misunderstanding was cleared up, the boys played enthusiastically. Shouts of “FACT,” “CRAP,” “CRAPOLA,” “LOAD OF CRAP,” and “THE HUGEST PILE OF CRAP EVER!” reverberated throughout the house while I huddled in the bedroom wondering whether I should insist that the boys shout “fact” or “fiction” or just be quiet and hope they learned something.
That is, something other than the acceptability of shouting “Crap!” where your mother can hear.
One year ago in My Tiny Kingdom: My Name Is Anne Glamore And I Am A Member Of Curmudgeons Anonymous
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November 6th, 2007 at 2:03 pm, Rick Cortright Says:
Same thing with the phrases:
This Sucks
This Blows
This sucks big
This blows hard
Oh he is just a prick.
All of these are now considered PG language and I hear it in the malls at Schools in front of teachers and parents with zero consequences.
Been in Church where everyone was commenting on how cute a pastor’s son’s shirt was that read the devil sucks.
Mean people suck products have been around forever.
Times Change as do the meaning and acceptances of words. I guess I wonder why certain words retain their forbidden fruit in society.
November 6th, 2007 at 2:11 pm, Rick Cortright Says:
cont.
I mean look at the following title of a book marketing kids your boys age.
Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging
I am no prude and I am sure that it might be a hilarious read but I am not interested in buying or checking out such for kids of that age.
It is a subject young girls used to dream about and boys well … now they are way beyond thinking about it. I guess their was some comfort and less squirming in the Harry Potter, Captain underpants genres.
November 6th, 2007 at 5:15 pm, Blaine Says:
Just so you know, I almost pee-ed myself from laughing so hard when I read this. Perhaps I was influenced by more than just your post though. I have a 6th, 7th and 8th grader this year. I totally relate!! 8^)
By the way, throw the word “jerk” onto the list. They said it on “Backyardigans” for goodness sakes.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:43 pm, Jodi Says:
I’ve decided I’m an old prude. Although, I guess it’s been going on for quite some time. My 78 year old mother still thinks it’s incredibly rude to say “pregnant” in mixed company. She says someone is “PG” if there are “little ears” in the room. I shudder to think what our grandchildren are going to be saying.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:24 pm, K Says:
I would like to add “Pissed” and “Pissed off” to this list. My kids use it and I have repeatedly told them not to (they are 25 and 21) and the latest response was that the youth minister says it. I had a reflex to say “well, if he jumps off a bridge does that make it ok for you to?” but somehow that didn’t pack the punch, you know? As much as I hate to admit it, this goes all the way back to the fifties and earlier when people tried to stop Elvis from performing because his dance moves were “vulgar”. Once we let up on our rules a little bit, they just get widened out more and more until we are really accepting things that are far far removed from a little knee shaking dance. Oh, and also “screwed”. “She screwed up.” “I’m screwed”. Like crap, this is just a “kinder” word for something considered nasty.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:48 pm, atwitsend Says:
Well, I heard Paula Deen say “crap” during her show yesterday morning(I was sick in the bed), then that night she said “damn” right there on the air. Course it was cable. But, the food network!!!!!
November 7th, 2007 at 1:30 am, Kendra Says:
‘Crap’ was on my son’s spelling list last year in first grade. Even though it was a mistake he still loves to tell anyone that will listen that he knows how to spell it!
At least you don’t have girls and have to go through the argument about what REALLY constitutes a full pair of panties…Now that’s vulgar!
November 7th, 2007 at 9:50 am, Candy Says:
(First I have to say I thought the first word in the second comment was misspelled, so that shows where my head is at.)
Anyway…ahem…I think whoever okayed crap also okayed “frigging” because my daughter totally excuses her filthy potty mouth with the line, “I said friggin’, what’s wrong with that?” constantly.
Nothing is wrong with that dear, now go wash that crap outta yer mouth.
November 7th, 2007 at 10:55 am, Elizabeth Says:
My mother would have lost her mind if I had said the words “crap” or “sucks” to her. And now it is acceptable language? I mean, I have the foulest mouth imaginable-I swear ALL the time. But that doesn’t mean I want my kids doing it!
November 7th, 2007 at 12:12 pm, zoe Says:
i got this game last xmas and it has never been opened. i guess i will have to break it out. peyton’s new fav word is suck. peyton, do you want to take iceskating lessons? no, i think that would suck. nice.
November 7th, 2007 at 1:19 pm, Cassie Says:
Guess I’m a young old prude too. I hate to hear, Oh my gosh. And it’s become my son’s favorite saying as of late. Boys!
November 7th, 2007 at 5:17 pm, Kathy Says:
Anne, you’ll get this even if few others do.
Years ago, before we homeschooled, we had a talk about not saying something “sucks” while at school. (I say it, too, so they hear it at home!) Anyway, the eldest informs me that he DID say it once while at school. He tells me, “I told him that Auburn sucks and I didn’t get in trouble because, well, they DO suck.” LOL
November 7th, 2007 at 5:29 pm, Bhamdining Says:
I was surprised to learn that “booty” is now the acceptable word for “bottom” in the preschool world. Back when the song “Shake Your Booty” was popular, it was at least a little risque.
November 7th, 2007 at 9:36 pm, Jess Says:
Nuts or balls when refering to testicles. When did this become acceptable? I hear boys of all shapes sizes and ages using those terms. Drives me freaking bananas.
November 7th, 2007 at 10:20 pm, Genevieve Says:
I buy a “Fact or Crap” calendar every year. Of course, I’m in my 30’s…
I heard my 2 year old call my husband “Booty Head” yesterday. LOL! Funny, well, to me, but not appropriate language for a 2 year old. Hot husband told me of this infraction first. Then the little guy thought I’d be amused when he came over and said it to me too. I had to keep a straight face and inform him that “Booty Head” was not a phrase we are allowed to use at our house. I felt like a hypocrit. Honestly, you should hear my language. I spent about 9 years around a bunch of sailors. On the other hand, my foul mouth has made MAJOR improvements since “the mimic” hit about 2 years old.
Where do kids get this stuff?! It’s not like he’s heard that phrase at home! (really!) I’m concerned.
November 8th, 2007 at 3:58 pm, Jennifer Says:
“He was worried about his ability to produce every single time an incorrect assertion was read.” Awesome.
November 8th, 2007 at 10:16 pm, My Tiny Kingdom » Hussies? Says:
[...] considering this and my last post, I’m either one of the last holdouts for morality here, or I’m way behind the [...]
November 10th, 2007 at 11:28 am, Rachel Says:
I find it appalling, really… the amount of cuss words, yes… damn, shit, bitch and the like are on TV during the day and in prime time shows. I think it’s frightening because those little sponges hear it, file it away for later and then always use it at the most inappropriate times. (kind of LOL)
I’m not a prude, maybe a smidgeon conservative about language, morals and behavior… but I’m okay with that.
I did giggle at this post and the thought of those teenage boys yelling this out because “but it’s the name of the game, mom…” I have a much younger brother and I can totally see him and his friends doing this. My kids are sooooo young, I’m a little scared of where we’ll be when puberty hits!!
Thanks for your great sense of humor and wit! I’m truly enjoying you!
November 10th, 2007 at 11:42 pm, Qtpies7 Says:
I think the game is great! But my husband is not happy with the crap word. I remind the kids that it is not ok to run around saying it, this is just a game. I’m not going to get all tied up in a word, it just exaserbates some problems. Not giving the word power helps in keeping it from being so tempting. However, accepting it as an everyday word as acceptable as “goody” is not good either.
I have 3 teens, so I pick my battles, crap isn’t one of them anymore. My preteens are not allowed to say it except in the game.