>One of my study-group buddies brought her toddler niece along last night. The little girl was cute as can be, quiet, and well-behaved. She sat on her aunt’s lap and colored in a Strawberry Shortcake coloring book with big crayons.
During a heated discussion in which we reminisced about problems and wished for solutions, I accidentally let the phrase “s**t-list” out. Within seconds, I realized my mistake, apologized, and was reassured that the little girl was actually dozing off and hadn’t heard a thing.
Whether or not that’s true, it bothered me immensely. The sight of a toddler or young one swearing may be cute in a movie (Okay, Ben Stiller, I laughed like crazy), but it’s less attractive in real life. And the fact that as a rule I don’t use profanity made it even worse. How can someone who generally doesn’t swear let a nasty four-letter word slip in front of an impressionable language-learner? Oh, drat (or stronger), I felt and still feel lousy about it.
So, J.S., the fantastic aunt, I’m sorry . Really sorry. I know you said it didn’t matter, but I sure hope the little one doesn’t bring that phrase home.