If you know anything about me or have ever observed the way I stir the alphabet, you know that I love words and bask in the glow of their flame, their fragrance and aroma. I love the seasoning that they provide, how more can always be added, but never taken back. Along these lines, I find myself particularly drawn to certain words that some call “foul”; whereas, I find them to be deeply, unflashingly beautiful. Bitter perhaps, but intoxicating. No make up, unshowered, unshaven. Consider the behavior and reactions that their baldness elicit. Their complexity should not be taken for granted.

Most so called bad words are more powerful, eliciting stronger feelings, than good words like “love”. Nothing seasons a dish of unpalatable issues and topics like a bad word. Some would argue that persons with limited vocabularies and dull wit exclusively resort to such words. This is true to an extent; however, I believe that the more extensive one’s vocabulary, the more one can appreciate the nuance or violence and dissonance of a word that screams even when whispered – when the language has been combed and no other word will do. The language though, should be combed and this seasoning used sparingly. Some words have taken new owners, new meanings, new slaves. These words should not be oppressed or be seen to oppress; they are critical to the success of language, thought, and expression.