I don't mean to come across as a 'behavior nazi' but ...

[Andy C]

Exclamations are a natural part of language. My mom very occasionally would say balderdash. I wonder what that derived from. Anyone have an idea about that? It seems like an innocent enough exclamation...

From an etymology site:

balderdash (n.)​

1590s, of obscure origin despite much 19c. conjecture; in early use "a jumbled mix of liquors" (milk and beer, beer and wine, etc.); by 1670s as "senseless jumble of words." Perhaps from dash and the first element perhaps cognate with Danish balder "noise, clatter" (see boulder). "But the word may be merely one of the numerous popular formations of no definite elements, so freely made in the Elizabethan period" [Century Dictionary].

also from 1590s

 

[Jan51]

I have noticed that about half the Christians I know often use "God" as a comma or exclamation mark.

 

[SarahRose]

I say gosh and goodness in reaction to things. I'll try to stop going forward.

 

[Wally]

From an etymology site:

balderdash (n.)​

1590s, of obscure origin despite much 19c. conjecture; in early use "a jumbled mix of liquors" (milk and beer, beer and wine, etc.); by 1670s as "senseless jumble of words." Perhaps from dash and the first element perhaps cognate with Danish balder "noise, clatter" (see boulder). "But the word may be merely one of the numerous popular formations of no definite elements, so freely made in the Elizabethan period" [Century Dictionary].

also from 1590s

We used bolderdash as kids. With the inflection, it was synonymous with bull dung.

Much of our slang are simply tempered version of curses, bombs, and other nasty words.
Even normal words have absorbed obscene meanings, especially when they are homonyms.

As innocent and childish as CARS may seem, Mater's "dad gum", is just a glossed an polished version of g''-d'''.


So why do we do it?

Simple lack of self control. Pound your thumb with a hammer and you'll likely spout a few choice ones.

Perhaps this type of speech is given to us to see just Who is holding the bridle and bit. A mouth is quite powerful, and no man can tame the tongue.
So by listening to what we say ...and type... we are given a measure of our growth.

Certainly when the old man humor sneaks in, a few more words will probably escape. Humor will be one of the strangest changes in the New Creation for sure,
but until then, its for us to discipline and train our mouths.

We are human and saved from sin by faith in Jesus' completed work so do not be distressed about this.
Seek His Kingdom first, the change will happen.

And in the meantime consider the good ol' truth of GIGO - garbage in, garbage out.

A change of diet - to more of God's Word - does wonders.


I suspect this thread may have just about run its course. The abbreviations used are in context but continued use may be a breach of site rules.

 

[Umbrella Girl]

Exclamations are a natural part of language. My mom very occasionally would say balderdash. I wonder what that derived from. Anyone have an idea about that? It seems like an innocent enough exclamation...

Here ya go:

balderdash (n.)​

1590s, of obscure origin despite much 19c. conjecture; in early use "a jumbled mix of liquors" (milk and beer, beer and wine, etc.); by 1670s as "senseless jumble of words." Perhaps from dash and the first element perhaps cognate with Danish balder "noise, clatter" (see boulder). "But the word may be merely one of the numerous popular formations of no definite elements, so freely made in the Elizabethan period" [Century Dictionary]

 

[lismore]

I really think it is inappropriate and disrespectful for anyone, but Christians especially, to use phrases like "OMG" or anything similar.

Yes, agreed. Be careful what we say and also what we hear. I used to work with someone who used a lot of bad language, after a while it was difficult to keep the language out of my head. No use asking him not to swear, it was a waste of time. Was relieved when he moved on. God Bless

 

[Andy C]

Here ya go:

balderdash (n.)​

1590s, of obscure origin despite much 19c. conjecture; in early use "a jumbled mix of liquors" (milk and beer, beer and wine, etc.); by 1670s as "senseless jumble of words." Perhaps from dash and the first element perhaps cognate with Danish balder "noise, clatter" (see boulder). "But the word may be merely one of the numerous popular formations of no definite elements, so freely made in the Elizabethan period" [Century Dictionary]

Hmmmm, where have I seen this definition before….. post 21 above

 

[Umbrella Girl]

Hmmmm, where have I seen this definition before….. post 21 above

OOPS!

 

[Andy C]

OOPS!

Hey, lets make it a party

 

[Baby Yoda]

Well said athanasius.

Agree.

 

[Tall Timbers]

We used bolderdash as kids.

You must be pretty old... I mean ancient!

 

[Wally]

You must be pretty old... I mean ancient!

I suspect a bit younger that you, but that's like comparing Cambrian with Ordovician.

BTW, Residing now in Wyoming, you need to trade in the artic beanie for a Stetson. Bowman Hats is still covering the heads of cowboys and cowgirls in PA.

Maybe you can change your avatar to "Roy Autry" ..... that is a funny Leo Kottke monolog.

 

[NewWine2020]

I hate any type of taking God's name -- it's jarring and extremely offensive. I don't get too bothered by other words, (my dad wasn't a Christian, even he wouldn't say God's name-- however a lot of other stuff came out) but the OMG phrase REALLY bothers me along with our Lord's name.

The reason it's become so widespread is our culture has changed from largely Christian to a non Christian or post Christian culture where God's name especially Jesus's name is used as a swear word.

When you ask them why, why not Buddha, or Mohammed they don't have an answer or a clue.

Of course that is because Satan doesn't mind the false gods. Just the God of the Bible, and His Son.

Agree. I've Finally reached the point where even hearing this in a film feels like a slap in the face. Sadly, it took me long enough to get here but I'm a work in progress in the hands of Jesus.

I struggled with a mouth that would have impressed an old school drill instructor for most of my 53 yrs of life. I still struggle with removing general profanity from my vocabulary.


Sadly, both my Father AND Father in law's "go-to swear word" is the one we are talking about. Growing up, it was just normal (Dad was not a Christian, in fact he actively disliked Christianity and made it quite clear) and now my Father in Law (who IS nominally a Christian) uses the same term on the (admittedly rare) occasions he does lose his cool.

But yeah, now that I'm maturing in Christ, the use of that term literally feels like a surprise slap in the face.

 

[Wally]

Perhaps we need a deep spiritual attitude adjustment from explicatives to exclamations; God Is Awesome!!!

And yet I expect the Lord wants honesty not fake praise.

Back into the forge of life again: hot.hot.hot.hot, then to the anvil of sanctification: Bang! Pound! Clink, clink.., and a few more @#**!s are worked out...

 

[Tall Timbers]

BTW, Residing now in Wyoming, you need to trade in the artic beanie for a Stetson. Bowman Hats is still covering the heads of cowboys and cowgirls in PA.

I've got a beaver stetson for stepping out and a straw one for bull riding.

 

[Wally]

TT: Trade the straw hat for something more serious like what Delta Teams wear,

unless the bulls you ride are terriers.....

 

[Umbrella Girl]

BTW, Residing now in Wyoming

Wyoming must be like Times Square in Manhattan compared to anywhere in Alaska!

 

[Wally]

Actually I expect alot of wide open spaces. Just warmer and drier. And the mosquitoes aren't so bad, but keep your 30.30 handy for the biting horseflies.

 

[Umbrella Girl]

I've got a beaver stetson for stepping out and a straw one for bull riding.

Cowboys aren’t known to jog / run, or are they?

I don’t know, but I just can’t picture it…

 

[Tall Timbers]

Cowboys aren’t known to jog / run, or are they?

I don’t know, but I just can’t picture it…

I don't wear my cowboy hat when running as it creates too much drag and slows me down.