Aside from the blatant sexist behavior of the MSM in recent weeks, the word "effing" seems to have found it's way into major publications. One example is Andrew Romano in a Newsweek article. He was forced to rewrite his article due to heavy negative feedback from readers.
Ex. "With no idea who's winning this effing thing" was rewritten as "With no idea who's winning this thing"
He also states:
"*These lines previously originally included the word "effing" as intensifier. After realizing that more than a few readers were offended by my use of the bloggy adjective, I decided to edit it out. Personally, I'm no fan of gratuitous cursing--or near-cursing--and saw no reason not to excise a spur-of-the-moment inclusion that doesn't really reflect the way I speak--especially if it was distracting people from the point of my piece. Thanks for the feedback, Andrew"
A professional journalist would not so casually use such a term, and the editor takes equal blame for letting it pass or not editing the article at all.
5 comments:
Use of the so-called word 'effing' is offensive to many to be sure. It does not belong in most publications. It doesn't offend me personally and would have its place in satirical publications, but it is not appropriate stylistically beyond that. I haven't come across it in any reading, but I have heard it a lot.
Frankly, I see no difference between fricking, flipping and effing...alll three words via light alliteration push the listener to the word all three are meant to soften. None of these words are appropriate in non-satirical writing. Alan is right but I don't share his indignation.
My indignation comes not so much from the word itself, but that it appeared in formal writing, in an online Newsweek article.
Also, which word carries more emotional weight?
1. The original f word
2. effing and variations thereof
3. fricken and variations thereof
Words carry emotional weight and one must use them judiciously. It's akin to using a sledgehammer rather than a tapping hammer.
You are absolutely right about the emotional weight of words. The orginal f word is the weightiest. Nothing sounds quiet so ridiculous (to me at least) however as someone in a highly emotional situation who chooses a light-weight word to discribe the situation.
Gosh darn it, I broke my flippin' leg! Dang it!
oops...obviously, journalism is not akin to high emotional stress, so I agree with your point.
Re: "Gosh darn it, I broke my flippin' leg! Dang it!"
LOL
Sounds like you would fit in at BYU!
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