Sunday, November 28, 2004

Right in the maddening crowd- changing perception of language

In our wonder years, people would question our upbringing if we blurted something like 'shut up you bloody bastard' in public. Word would spread in the community on where the Kariyal kids learn that kind of language and where they will end up one day. Today, next to this baby talk, 10-year-olds can accuse one of one's relations with one's mother and sister (with a few animals thrown in) not only with great eloquence, but also not have anyone in the vicinity bat an eyelid. Language, usage and perception have changed manyfolds today. Expressions used to cuss at someone can also be used in admiration, for example- that son of a bitch completed the task in just two days; in exclamation- you lucky madafaka. 'Get out of here' is not only what you'd say to unceremoniously throw someone out of your house but is also an expression of disbelief. Some of the expressions find their way into corporate board rooms; 'bitch' meaning to loose-talk about someone (typically the press about the company) and 'kick some ass' is used to motivate a team. 'Bitch' is openly used in our hindi movies along with a slew of altered profanities in hindi- 'bhen ka takaa', 'teri maa ko pranaam karoo' subtly tickling our street selves. Recently, an ad showed a kid making a pass at an attractive woman- 'kya item hai'. Now here's my favourite website-http://www.bosedkdesigns.com

2 comments:

  1. So, where have the Kariyal kids landed up finally :)
    Is it a good place?

    ReplyDelete

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