I have never heard it used that way. Except for that sign I just mentioned. Apart from that one time, the only use of "tranny" I was ever aware of was the sexual kind.
Disappearing words.
- Thread starter trekkiedane
- Start date
I have never heard it used that way. Except for that sign I just mentioned. Apart from that one time, the only use of "tranny" I was ever aware of was the sexual kind.
Jam is a slightly different beast than jelly, typically it's less gelatinous and spreads far more easily.
Actually, unless you're trans yourself, trans people (in my experience, and I'm quite close to one trans person and know three or four others) generally view the word "tranny" as somewhat perjorative.
Like "queer," "fag" or "dyke," people who are part of the community are allowed to use it in a non-insulting manner, but if an outsider does, it's not taken well.
That might vary in other parts of the world, mind you.
When I was in high school in the '80s, there was this transfer kid from the UK I used to hang out with. One day he asked me if I had "a fag," but then immediately remembered he was in the American Midwest and said he meant "a cigarette."
Contrary to the impression I may have given, California is a part of America. Except for San Francisco, of course.Based on scotpens' posts, I'm not sure California is actually in America.
Personally, I see nothing wrong with using those words myself. It may be a bit presumptive of me, but I like to consider myself an HGP (Honorary Gay Person).
Good thing he didn't ask if it was OK to "light up a fag"!
^Yes, I think we're more familiar with it now.
I have no problem with using rape metaphorically, as long as it's for something serious.
Shell shock has the disadvantage of sounding like it applies only to combat survivors, when the reality is that any life-threatening experience -- including rape, other violent crimes, and natural disasters -- can cause it. So I prefer the more inclusive PTSD.
I still use mine. Of course, I also still have two cats.
I have no problem with using rape metaphorically, as long as it's for something serious.
Shell shock has the disadvantage of sounding like it applies only to combat survivors, when the reality is that any life-threatening experience -- including rape, other violent crimes, and natural disasters -- can cause it. So I prefer the more inclusive PTSD.
I still use mine. Of course, I also still have two cats.
This is actually a Masonic term that had crept into popular language, probably as far back as the 17th or 18th century - usages include "square deal" or "acting upon the square", the square being one of the working tools of a Mason.
Other Masonic phrases still commonly used:
- Being "hoodwinked" (or getting the wool pulled over your eyes)
- Being given the "third degree" (a reference to the third, or Master Mason's degree)
- Being "on the level" (the level being another working tool of Masonry)
I grew up thinking this was a reference to vehicle transmissions.
I think in ye olde tymes, it was also in reference to firewood, as in, "putting a fag on the fire". As it was something to be burned, it's possible the term carried over to the cigarette.
"Pled" has just about disappeared in favor of "pleaded."
A "faggot" can be a bundle of twigs used to kindle a fire. Hence the wink-wink line in Barbarella: "Look, the energy cables are shrinking! You've turned them into faggots!"
That must have been quite a long time ago. Like when "villain" meant an inhabitant of a village, or when "coy" meant modest (as opposed to its modern meaning of affecting mock modesty or shyness).
Last edited:
Perhaps but maybe only in certain contexts.
"He pled to the lower charge" vs "He pleaded with them to let his wife go"
A "Faggot" is also a food
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faggot_(food)
Not really a word but more of a "trope" that's already pretty much irrelevant in this day and age but before long people will be less likely to get.
The infamous "record scratch" sound effect used in movies/TV shows usually when someone says something dumb/inappropriate.
We already live in a world where records aren't used but the most extreme of audiophiles but it most situations is music is likely to be coming from a CD or a digital player. But how long before kids are as familiar with records, what they sound like and what it sounds like when they suddenly stop playing as we are with, say, Edison Cylinders?
The infamous "record scratch" sound effect used in movies/TV shows usually when someone says something dumb/inappropriate.
We already live in a world where records aren't used but the most extreme of audiophiles but it most situations is music is likely to be coming from a CD or a digital player. But how long before kids are as familiar with records, what they sound like and what it sounds like when they suddenly stop playing as we are with, say, Edison Cylinders?
I'm sure I've mentioned this one here before, but I'll add "Two-edged sword" or "double-edged sword" as in "his argument cut like a two-edged sword."
From ancient times until perhaps two or three centuries ago, the phrase meant to efficiently attack a problem from both directions, as if attacking an opponent with a double-edged sword (duh). In such an attack you rotate your grip 90 degrees from "normal" so your thumb lies along the flat of the blade, so the edges are aligned for action like a tennis racquet instead of a saber. With the grip held face high and the forearm vertical, rotating your forearm (or crossing and uncrossing your forearms if using both hands) delivers a rapid sequence of horizontal blows at the opponent's head or body, alternating from left and right.
But at some point after the Renaissance, people who'd only used rapiers or single-edged or basket-hilted swords got so used to only using one grip, aligned conventionally with their hand like a hammer or axe, that they couldn't figure out what the back edge of a double-edged sword was for, since in their limited grip it couldn't effectively hit their opponent, only aim back at themselves. So they started assuming that the old phrase meant something entirely different, a mix of pros and cons, etc.
What's amusing is that the phrase appears in the Bible and early writings on the Bible, and Christians read those parts almost exactly backwards.
From ancient times until perhaps two or three centuries ago, the phrase meant to efficiently attack a problem from both directions, as if attacking an opponent with a double-edged sword (duh). In such an attack you rotate your grip 90 degrees from "normal" so your thumb lies along the flat of the blade, so the edges are aligned for action like a tennis racquet instead of a saber. With the grip held face high and the forearm vertical, rotating your forearm (or crossing and uncrossing your forearms if using both hands) delivers a rapid sequence of horizontal blows at the opponent's head or body, alternating from left and right.
But at some point after the Renaissance, people who'd only used rapiers or single-edged or basket-hilted swords got so used to only using one grip, aligned conventionally with their hand like a hammer or axe, that they couldn't figure out what the back edge of a double-edged sword was for, since in their limited grip it couldn't effectively hit their opponent, only aim back at themselves. So they started assuming that the old phrase meant something entirely different, a mix of pros and cons, etc.
What's amusing is that the phrase appears in the Bible and early writings on the Bible, and Christians read those parts almost exactly backwards.
