

| Subject: | Re: M re: "damn" |
| From: | Edward Maglott |
| Date: | Fri, 4 Sep 2009 23:12:33 -0400 |
I've never heard that definition, which includes the "God" part. M-W says: > * Main Entry:1damn > * Pronunciation: \ dam\ > * Function: verb > * Inflected Form(s): damned; damn�ing \ da-mi \ > * Etymology: Middle English dampnen, from > Anglo-French dampner, from Latin damnare, from damnum damage, loss, fine > * Date: 13th century > >transitive verb 1 : to condemn to a punishment >or fate; especially : to condemn to hell >2 a : to condemn vigorously and often irascibly >for some real or fancied fault or defect <damned >the storm for their delay> b : to condemn as a failure by public criticism >3 : to bring ruin on >4 : to swear at : ><http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curse>curse >�often used to express annoyance, disgust, or >surprise <damn him, he should have been >careful><I'll be damned>intransitive verb : ><http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curse>curse, ><http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swear>swear There's nothing there about who is doing the condemning. I understand that many people find it quite offensive when "God" is put before damn, but haven't run into many folks that expressed offense at just plain damn. I am interested if anyone else on the list feels that theological implication is with the word damn, or finds them self squirming when they see that word? Edward At 07:56 PM 9/4/2009, David Beierl wrote: >Dear Volks -- I'm a little squirmy about "damn." There are people >around (me included actually) who take cursing seriously, and that >really stands for "May God condemn him/her/it to eternal torment" >which is a pretty serious thing. It's bad theology -- we don't >believe God works that way -- but that's beside the point. I'm going >to have to rule it out of order, because if it makes me squirm a bit >I'm surely not the only one. Dam' or darn or dang or damnation or >other such are fine, it's clear that it's either just an intensifier >or definitely a play curse. I'd rather not see dammit though, and >definitely nothing with a G attached. > >As an aside, I have a certain sentimental fondness for "Well shoot >fire ( I can say it sort of the way she did, but I can't spell >it. Sort like faaar with a little bit of i mixed in) and save >matches!" An oldish (must have been at least 40) head nurse I once >served under used to say it from time to time. It was so funny that >I didn't make the connection for a long time. Feel free. > >Thanks much, >David
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