Language matters
I’ve talked before about my unease with the word vajayjay. But it’s not just women’s phrases that bother me. One I’ve been hearing lately drives me nuts and makes me sad at the same time - boys/men referring to their genitals as their “junk.” It seems to be particularly popular among the high school crowd, as well as in hip hop circles. I really hate that.
I know it’s just a euphemism, one of hundreds out there. But Junk is trash, garbage, something to be discarded. I know they’re not thinking literally, but that connotation really bothers me, particularly from the young. Our bodies and sexuality are beautiful, and worthy of respect. Men’s bodies are not junk.
You don’t have to say penis. Pick the word of your choice, and I’m cool with it. It’s your body - you name it.
But please, no junk.
May 24th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
I hear you, Terry. I don’t know when it started or why, but it’s probably a name that won’t hang around long. ;-p
I do, however, think of the Justin Timberlake Andy Samberg video from SNL “Dick in a Box.” I think they use the work “junk” there, and I roll on the floor laughing each time.
May 26th, 2008 at 10:24 am
I hope you’re right that it disappears quickly, Billie. It’s so negative.
I haven’t seen Dick in a Box. The mind boggles….
May 29th, 2008 at 6:32 am
Shalom Terry,
I first heard the term vajayjay uttered by Dr. Bailey on Grey’s Anatomy.
B’shalom,
Jeff
May 29th, 2008 at 6:33 am
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