Adult Language

The two words “adult language,” as they are used today in describing movies and television programs, pretty well characterize how we attempt to gloss over, cover up, and whitewash the truth. If producers were honest, they would say, “The program you are about to watch contains vulgar, profane, filthy speech.” But no! That would be too crude, too stark, too accurate. It might even conjure up a blunt, old-fashioned word – sin. “Adult” sounds less offensive, and so much better, don’t you think?

What games we have learned to play with words! We prefer polite terms designed to minimize rather than confess the truth. Expressions such as mal-adjusted, anti-social, mixed-up, and immaturity tend to cover a multitude of sins in our eyes.

Shrewd and canny sound better than dishonest. Practical is better than selfish. Romantic has a better ring to it than impurity. Sensible is a preferred word over prejudice, and on and on the list goes.

Many years ago I saw a cartoon (Dennis the Menace, I think). The little boy, swinging a hammer against the shattered remains of an expensive mirror, was explaining calmly to his aghast mother: “I’m not naughty; I’m neurotic.” I don’t know about your mother, but mine wouldn’t have bought into such semantics in a million years.

Let’s get back to “adult language.” Someone is trying to tell us that, while we might not want children hearing such filthy, raunchy words, they are “suitable for adults.” Oh, really? Suitable?

“Put away…foul talk from your mouth” my Bible says. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” My Bible also says, “for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

There is an awesome admonition (warning?) given in Revelation 22:11-12, “Let the evil doer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” (12) “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense, to repay every one for what he has done.”   

 John Gipson