In Homage of Fuck

There is one word in the English speaking world which is considered extremely offensive. It is also one of the most commonly used words. It is a flexible word being used as a noun, verb, adjective, and adverb. Many of us have used it in each one of those abilities and more precisely as an expletive. You see this word surrounds us in every aspect of life. Plus, it is a word which is evolving and moving from offensive and obscene to normal usage. Yes, it is an amazing word. Fuck is heard in movies, songs, schools, workplaces, military, etc. Anybody who tries to deny this is just not living in reality. Heck, I've heard it in church which is the one place you would think it wouldn't be heard, but I did. However, there are two places where it cannot be heard: television programs and over the air on radio stations. Yep, its too darn offensive. Yet, it is used everyday by millions of individuals. One of the funniest moments that I have ever heard it used is in the film; The King's Speech". Lionel has asked the future King George VI if he knows the F-word. This is what happens next: "George VI: : F... f... fornication? Lionel Logue: Oh, Bertie. King George VI: Fuck. Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck! Fuck, fuck and bugger! Bugger, bugger, buggerty buggerty buggerty, fuck, fuck, arse! Lionel Logue: Yes... King George VI: Balls, balls... Lionel Logue: ...you see, not a hesitation! King George VI: ...fuckity, shit, shit, fuck and willy. Willy, shit and fuck and... tits." (The King's Speech) To me this is hilarious! Why? Simple, the King is being just like all the rest of us normal everyday people and when he gets mad he uses the word many of us use and it is a natural rant which is conveyed. However, for those who have seen this film realizes the reason for Lionel having asked the king this is due to George's stammer. However, when George is angry he doesn't stutter. A simple lesson in using "obscenity" as a means of discovery. A discovery which shows George that he doesn't always stammer. An important object lesson for a man who must speak in front of the people he rules. Yet, this particular scene would be censored if shone on television and the impact of the words would be lost on everyone, from George VI and Lionel to even the audience. Yes, the F-word is a fascinating word. According to Merriam Webster Dictionary it has multiple listings and definitions. As a verb it was first used in 1503 most likely derived from the Dutch fokken meaning the breeding of cattle. Now the noun usage may have been in 1680; however, there are even earlier variants of this word in French, German, Latin,and Greek among the many words. As a matter of fact one of the first usages recognized in literature is from 1475 in a peom, Flen flyys. There are many other poems and pieces of literature where one can discover the word and even Shakespeare used it in two of his plays. Ahh, what a magnificent history this word has and yet it has been dealt the stigma of being obscene. Yes, there are those who force this delightful four letter into oblivion and pretend that it doesn't exist....guess what censors? The harder you force your views on people; the more this incongruous word evolves and expands within the language of the people. I could continue on and on further about fuck, but I don't have enough time tonight to do so. So, I pay this short and sweet homage to the word which taught a king that he could speak and to the people who use it daily. Continue your love and usage and let's see just what this little word will evolve into....I bet it will become so commonplace that individuals will come up with a new word to use in order to shock and offend others. Work Cited Merriam Webster Dictionary. merriamwebsterdictionary.com. 2013. The King's Speech. Tom Hooper, dir. Colon Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, and Geoffrey Rush, actors. 2010.