What Ever Happened to Profanity?

Not yet quantified in the Pollution Index, the concentration of scatological monosyllables is nevertheless way, way up. In Los Angeles, in New York, in Dallas, in Atlanta their dull blue haze is discernible, thickest where media types gather. Parts-per-million is an outmoded index; we’re talking about parts-per-dozen; often every fifth word passes wind. Neophytes wince, choke, change color. What to say about it all? Surely nothing human, not even human speech, is unspeakable. Be calm, this analysis is offered to steady your nerves.

A true story, for openers. The girl was doe-eyed, the young executive wise and sympathetic. She had come for his advice. One of the men had used a word, right in front of her, in her part of the office. She said what the word was. She wanted to know if she should have been embarrassed.

HK

About the Author

Hugh Kenner

Not yet quantified in the Pollution Index, the concentration of scatological monosyllables is nevertheless way, way up. In Los Angeles, in New York, in Dallas, in Atlanta their dull blue haze is discernible, thickest where media types gather. Parts-per-million is an outmoded index; we’re talking about parts-per-dozen; often every fifth word passes wind. Neophytes wince, choke, change color. What to say about it all? Surely nothing human, not even human speech, is unspeakable. Be calm, this analysis is offered to steady your nerves.

A true story, for openers. The girl was doe-eyed, the young executive wise and sympathetic. She had come for his advice. One of the men had used a word, right in front of her, in her part of the office. She said what the word was. She wanted to know if she should have been embarrassed.