As a reader and writer we're all aware of the constant flux in language. Words change meaning, new expressions crop up and sneak into every day speech. Sometimes it's difficult to understand the younger generation since they seem to have a language all their own. But that isn't the language I'm talking about.
The language I'm referring to is that of four-letter words. (I don't mean words like 'work' or 'snow' although a lot of folks will look at them that way.) The nasty kind seem to be cropping up more and more within the written word. Are they truly necessary or is there a better way?
Male writers are more apt to use the language in their work. I don't know what the reasoning is behind that but I can think of better ways to get a point across. Female authors have a tendency to stay away from such words, especially when writing romance. While their use is to emphasize strong emotion, wouldn't it be better to 'show' rather than 'tell' in these situations? I'd rather see a heroine throw a vase at the hero's head and miss, or have the hero punch a wall and end up shaking out the pain. Something like that you can get over. Words, once said, can do damage forever, and could spoil an otherwise good story.
A couple years ago I was reading the lastest work of one of my favorite authors when I came across the 'f' word. It was a first, and needless to say, I was quite disappointed. Her stature as a writer became slightly tarnished. I admit, I'm old school when it comes to some things and using that logic, to me, an author loses some respect for themselves as well as their followers. We want to entertain our readers, help them be able to suspend disbelief. How can we do that if we use base street talk to get a point across? The English language is infinite and with a bit of research and a good thesaurus there's no reason why we can't get avoid lowering our standards.
Before you grab your torches and come running please keep in mind this is only my humble opinion. But I would love to hear your comments on the subject.
1 comment:
I'd say you have a valid point except you said using such langauage is telling not showing. How is it telling? We're not telling the feelings, we're showing a character's reaction, and be honest with yourself some people do swear.
I, like most female romance writers, don't use such words often, and I've never used the "F" word at all, but I have used it. I know from personal experience that someone who normally doesn't swears, suddenly does, it shows all those who witness it just how that person is feeling.
I mean this, personal experience. I will never forget the only time I heard my twin sister swear, and boy was she PO'ed.
I personally don't like it when all the characters in the story swear constantly, I even have trouble with one character swearing up one side and down another. Such constant use of those words detract from the story, but when it is used sparingly, maybe only once in a story, it does show emotion. I promise.
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