It is verbal punctuation; one could say it has a "phatic" function (see "hello" on the phone) -- it establishes contact, no real semantic value, but could have socio-linguistic value)
beware, kids assimilate stuff like sponges. I used to drive around peacefully insulting whoever I wanted itnhe privacy of my own vehicle until one of my kids (then about 14, give or take) decided (in western Canada--thank God, no one I knew--and that may have livened thigns up a bit...) to open the window and let out a string of perfectly-pitched insults that would have sent my mother well. probably peeing herself with laughter. But I was stunned, scolded at him, and he coolly responded: " So what, you have been saying this for 15 years??!!" So now I warn my friends and others: you may swear in Urdu, French, or english,and never hear a peep from the back seat when they will acquire the zingers alright! (I used to fine $ 10 per incident --never had to, after I laid down the law-- and esp. in professionla context (meeting my coworkers>> no bad language in any language). But now they have the ways to defend themselves VERBALLY as young adults (thanks, Dad!--thank you, kids!) AND the biggets pain was for me...I could not express myself any more while driving... deprived of my first amendment rights...
7 comments:
It is verbal punctuation; one could say it has a "phatic" function (see "hello" on the phone) -- it establishes contact, no real semantic value, but could have socio-linguistic value)
I also use it to mean "yes"
Kingba - I usually use it when I get mad while driving - yo, tu fais quoi là ducon?
Have you been letting him watch your Friends dvds??
Beth- God no.
beware, kids assimilate stuff like sponges. I used to drive around peacefully insulting whoever I wanted itnhe privacy of my own vehicle until one of my kids (then about 14, give or take) decided (in western Canada--thank God, no one I knew--and that may have livened thigns up a bit...) to open the window and let out a string of perfectly-pitched insults that would have sent my mother well. probably peeing herself with laughter. But I was stunned, scolded at him, and he coolly responded: " So what, you have been saying this for 15 years??!!" So now I warn my friends and others: you may swear in Urdu, French, or english,and never hear a peep from the back seat when they will acquire the zingers alright! (I used to fine $ 10 per incident --never had to, after I laid down the law-- and esp. in professionla context (meeting my coworkers>> no bad language in any language).
But now they have the ways to defend themselves VERBALLY as young adults (thanks, Dad!--thank you, kids!) AND the biggets pain was for me...I could not express myself any more while driving... deprived of my first amendment rights...
i can't believe he through that conjunction info back in your face...he cracks me up!
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