The term "Mong"
Discussion
Morningside said:
GOG440 said:
onyx39 said:
Indeed, I was really rather shocked when I found out what a "berk" was...
Never knew that.
Div. Thats an odd one. Wonder where that came from.
Morningside said:
^^^ Oh, interesting. Never knew that.
I always wonder if The Spastics Society changed its name to Scope due to the negative nature of the word.
I'm old enough to remember when the word didn't actually have a negative connotation. That sort of developed over the years, which is why I suppose the Society then changed its name.I always wonder if The Spastics Society changed its name to Scope due to the negative nature of the word.
It's the opposite of Mong in a way. When I was a kid, that was very pejorative, but over the years I think that many would say it's become less offensive as it has passed into more common usage.
One of my late aunts had Downes.
I have trouble with the English language being constantly revised at the behest of the professionally offended due to their ever changing sensibilities and perception (correct or otherwise) as to the origin or meaning of a word. Not to mention their vicarious indignation which may not be felt by 99.999% of those who are actually being referenced.
I know many who would tell you that if they were calling someone a Joey would tell you that the are either meaning they act like a young kangaroo or they are comparing their intellectual capacity/actions to the character in Friends. They would have no idea who Mr Deacon was/is.
I wouldn't worry though as by the time they have finished it will be an offence to call someone a dizzy blonde or a fat slob. Most amusing for me as I would find the 'correct' language far more offensive if on the receiving end.
I have trouble with the English language being constantly revised at the behest of the professionally offended due to their ever changing sensibilities and perception (correct or otherwise) as to the origin or meaning of a word. Not to mention their vicarious indignation which may not be felt by 99.999% of those who are actually being referenced.
I know many who would tell you that if they were calling someone a Joey would tell you that the are either meaning they act like a young kangaroo or they are comparing their intellectual capacity/actions to the character in Friends. They would have no idea who Mr Deacon was/is.
I wouldn't worry though as by the time they have finished it will be an offence to call someone a dizzy blonde or a fat slob. Most amusing for me as I would find the 'correct' language far more offensive if on the receiving end.
onyx39 said:
Morningside said:
^^^ Oh, interesting. Never knew that.
I always wonder if The Spastics Society changed its name to Scope due to the negative nature of the word.
I'm pretty sure I remember reading at the time, that was exactly what happened.I always wonder if The Spastics Society changed its name to Scope due to the negative nature of the word.
Scopie
From Wikipedia
In 1981, the last year of his life, Joey Deacon was featured on the children's magazine programme Blue Peter for the International Year of the Disabled. He was presented as an example of a man who achieved a lot in spite of his disabilities. Despite the sensitive way in which Blue Peter covered his life, the impact was not as intended. The sights and sounds of Deacon's distinctive speech and movements had a lasting impact on young viewers, who quickly learned to imitate them. His name and mannerisms quickly became a label of ridicule in school playgrounds across the country.
In 1981, the last year of his life, Joey Deacon was featured on the children's magazine programme Blue Peter for the International Year of the Disabled. He was presented as an example of a man who achieved a lot in spite of his disabilities. Despite the sensitive way in which Blue Peter covered his life, the impact was not as intended. The sights and sounds of Deacon's distinctive speech and movements had a lasting impact on young viewers, who quickly learned to imitate them. His name and mannerisms quickly became a label of ridicule in school playgrounds across the country.
I was somewhere recently where a footballers wife type woman had called her little boy Deacion. She kept calling him, which made me smile. Kept it to myself though and felt really bad.
So, because there is rarely bad intent behind the term, can I take it that in general Mong is no longer offensive? Just a modern use of an archaic term?
Lefty said:
Indeed, i had to google it!
I remain skeptical of this claimed origin. The "Berkeley Hunt", is pronounced "Barkley". The only Berkeley that is pronounced like berk is in California, and I'm pretty sure that's not where Cockney Rhyming Slang originates.As for the use of the term "Mong" - yes, of course it's highly offensive, like "Flid". Ignorance of origin is no excuse.
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