Ban "Nasty Sounding Word" - Vote Now

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of the word "got" and its perceived unpleasantness, with participants debating whether it should be banned or replaced with alternative expressions. The conversation touches on language usage, personal preferences, and the evolution of English, encompassing both casual and formal contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a strong dislike for the word "got," labeling it as "nasty sounding" and suggesting it should be banned.
  • Others challenge this view, arguing that "got" is useful in casual conversation and that many educated individuals use it without issue.
  • A few participants propose replacing "got" with alternatives, such as "getted" or more descriptive phrases, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful language use.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of banning certain words, with some suggesting that it may lead to singling out specific dialects or regions.
  • Participants discuss the evolution of language, noting that what is considered acceptable can change over time, and that understanding is more important than strict adherence to grammatical rules.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the necessity and appropriateness of using the word "got," with multiple competing views on its value in language. There is no consensus on whether it should be banned or replaced.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about language rules and the implications of word choice, indicating a lack of settled definitions or standards regarding what constitutes proper English.

wolram
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I hate this word ,even though i use it some times and i am only semi lliterate, and it a nasty sounding word any way, i vote we ban it.
 
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You've got to be kidding, Wolram :biggrin:
 


I am not sure I got it. Could have got something with my English - it got better, but it is still limited.
 


Borek said:
I am not sure I got it. Could have got something with my English - it got better, but it is still limited.

Aaaaggggghhhhh
 


I have gotten use to it. Better?
 


I agree entirely, we should replace it with "getted".
 


muppet said:
I agree entirely, we should replace it with "getted".

Whats this got to do with the OP. Oh wait it does got to do with it since it was about how much wolram hates the word got.

Got it :D
 


Heck you guys are knuckle draggers, there is just so much no way that got (has) to be used,
there are many more descriptive words to use.
 


wolram said:
Heck you guys are knuckle draggers, there is just so much no way that got (has) to be used,
there are many more descriptive words to use.

What else have we got to use instead of Got, sir?
 
  • #10


My English teacher said you could replace any use of the word got or get if you think a little bit harder about what you want to say.
 
  • #11


Kurdt said:
My English teacher said you could replace any use of the word got or get if you think a little bit harder about what you want to say.

Nice pic Kurdt, i strongly agree with your teacher.
 
  • #12


Lisa! said:
What else have we got to use instead of Got, sir?

When some one says i got my shopping, how did they got it, shop lifted it, paid for it lawfully,
it should be (i purchased it), there are just so many ways not to use the word got.
 
  • #13


Kurdt said:
My English teacher said you could replace any use of the word got or get if you think a little bit harder about what you want to say.

Got it!:biggrin: Ok, I was kidding!
But haven't he told you why we should do this? for the sake of thinking harder, thinking of what we say a bit more or simply because that was we speak more beautifully?
 
  • #14


"Gonna" is a word in the same category (is it even a word?). I know someone who uses it excessively, what's wrong with saying "going to"?
 
  • #15


gotta love this

gotcha :wink:
 
  • #16


I hate the word pseudo, it sounds so fake.
 
  • #17


Somehow, I feel yall (you-all) may be singling out the southern states before long. : )
 
  • #18


I've always wondered how people got so many posts.
 
  • #19


Borg said:
I've always wondered how people got so many posts.
You've GOT to post in other forums, not General Discussion, to get your count up. Got it? :biggrin:
 
  • #20


I also hate the word 'got', but it is useful in a casual conversation.
 
  • #21


wolram said:
When some one says i got my shopping, how did they got it, shop lifted it, paid for it lawfully,
it should be (i purchased it), there are just so many ways not to use the word got.

I usually hear "did the shopping". Not much more expressive really.

In casual conversation it is likely much easier to say "I got the shopping done" then to say "I have purchased some goods from the market". And really why say goods? So cheap and generic a word. One ought to say 'food for dinner' or 'bed linens' or what have you. And which market for gods sake? Am I to read your mind?
Really it ought to be something such as "I have purchased some stewing beef and potatoes for dinner from Ol' Miss Grumble's shop off the square at B street."
Much more satisfying a sentence. Here I know what is for dinner, that you have probably gossiped with that old bag Grumble, and that you spent the money I gave you on that cheap stuff and should owe me some change.
 
  • #22


Many very well educated people use the word "got". Read the book "The King's English" by Fowler and Fowler (published by Oxford University Press, no less). They are very proper and correct in their use of the English language, but they freely use the word "got" themselves. English changes. Many words that weren't acceptable before or didn't even exist are now standard English. Oh and let's not even begin on who decides what is correct English, e.g. British or "American" English. It is my opinion that as long as most people can understand you well, it doesn't matter if your English in speech is not 100% correct. When you're doing formal writting, then it's more important to watch your English to impress employers, girls, etc.
 

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