Date:  Wed, 23 Jul 1997 10:08:22 -0500
From:  wachal robert s <rwachal[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]BLUE.WEEG.UIOWA.EDU>
Subject: Amelioration of 'suck' and other such

Did anyone notice the use of 'suck' in Dilbert a few days ago?

Someone remarked on the amelioration of 'getting shafted/screwed' and the
like last week. Does anyone have a list of body-specific or sexual
activity- specific words or expressions that have generalized or softened?

I mentioned at the recent DSNA meeting that young kids, even those who are
good spellers, writing about someone being "pist" because they are unaware
that it is from 'pissed off'.

Perhaps the person who wrote about this could repost to me directly:

robert-wachal[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]uiowa.edu

Ron Butters and I have both (but independently of each other) discussed in
legal cases the possible origin of 'suck' as an expression of general
disaprobation.

Apparently 'suck' has become so common that it's possible allusion to
fellation has become obscure.

I've even heard people use 'brown nose' in apparent innocence of its
origin.

Any thoughts on these matters, friends and colleagues?


Bob Wachal