I have a friend who said, “whatevs” today, then immediately apologized for it. He was ashamed. But, then I asked him, “Is it really any better to say, ‘whatever’?”
I like languages, and I like thinking about them. I’d like to think I’m a good writer, and that generally I use a varied lexicon. However, when I’m walking down the street and I hear a girl talking on the phone saying, “Oh my god, that suuuuuucks.” I know that I sound like that occasionally.
Is there really any way to solve this?
I think there’s a crisis in modern language, akin to “newspeak” from 1984. Abreves are similar, but at the same time inevitable. Language morphs and evolves over time. It is almost a living thing, at the least, a virus. When you take the stance of L’Académie française and attempt to halt language in time, you’re fighting a losing battle.
For example, the words “gay” and “retarded” are used as substitutes for “stupid.” I don’t necessarily think it’s right, and I’ve trained myself not to use them due to sensitivities of friends and family members. However, can I honestly judge people who use those terms without thinking?
I guess I’d like to think that I could reform my language use, but I realize that speaking in Shakespearean English isn’t the answer. Where’s the line between thou and totes?
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