Pushing my shopping cart outside of Target this morning, I hit a few big bumps, jostled some very hot Starbucks Christmas Blend all over my purse and gloves, and yelled something to the tune of, “Oh crap! The coffee!”
Pause.
“Cap?” my little pitcher asked.
“Mmm, the coffee cap–you know, the lid?–came off.” My brain was so frazzled that my deceptive explanation actually made sense at the time. Only now that I’m typing it out I realize that the “caps” didn’t come off; coffee just blasted through the drink openings.
After we were settled in the car, with the heater cranked up, I heard Livia quietly explain some other cussing options from her carseat, “You could say ‘Oh stupid!’ or ‘Boogers!'”
7 Comments
adam Nov 29, 2007 8:33 AM
Way to go, Liv! “Oh, stupid!” or “Boogers!” are -excellent- for expressing stress.
Trying to curtail one’s tongue in order to not have little ears learning profane speech is, indeed, a challenge. Especially when one of the most dependable ways to deal with said stress is to exhibit crude language best suited for pirate raid.
Haley Nov 29, 2007 10:37 AM
I need to start cussing Livia-style before Kate starts learning to talk. Perhaps Liv could film an education DVD on substitute dirty words so that I could start practicing!
RT Nov 29, 2007 10:51 AM
I hate to break it to you guys, but “stupid” is a no-no in the Tredway house. Liv reminded us last night that “stupid” is not a nice word, but we all agreed that “boogers” is fine. Heh.
adam Nov 29, 2007 3:09 PM
I think I agree that “stupid” ist verboten, but I’m not fond of “boogers” either. What about cursing in foreign languages like “scheiße!” und auch? I think some words should be acceptable for parents to use that children will learn and, if they use in social circumstances, will seem inoccuous at best. Any suggestions ‘sides “boogers”?
Kerri Nov 29, 2007 4:37 PM
Just wait until you all have more than one child. They then start picking up the words that the elder siblings have picked up (ahem, from other sources, of course, cough cough). It’s great when your 2 year old says “holy crap”.
Bethany made up her own swear words when she was about 2–one of our favorites that has stuck around for over 21 years now is “pooey chaunce”.
Bethany Nov 30, 2007 9:29 AM
Don’t forget “pooey ginjuss”
TulipGirl Dec 2, 2007 12:14 PM
I always thought “Jehosophat’s Wife!” would make a great expletive.
My boys’ current unkind words are “sandwich” and “warty.” Directed at another brother, they are the worst offense. Even without any intrinsic unkindness, the tone. . . well. . . that needs to be corrected, too.