Okay, this is about as close to PG-13 as we care to skirt things. Anyone not familiar with the great work of comedian and social commentator George Carlin and his “Seven Dirty Words You Can’t Say on Television,” take a quick gander at this segment on YouTube from a show that (I think) dates from the early 1980s. These days, most of the “heavy seven” have shown up on television and radio in the U.S., and trust me, they’ve been all over Australian television (and general speech) for a long time. However, as you listen, you’ll hear which one of the seven will match up with Theo’s considerations. We can’t actually say it, but we’ll make you think about it. A lot. You’re welcome.
Tristan Black Wolf June 27, 2019, 3:31 pm
George Denis Patrick Carlin (1937-2008) was a stand-up comedian, actor, and social satirist without parallel. I saw him live in the very early 1970s, when he was still breaking into the public view. Much of his stand-up material was captured in HBO specials, and he authored several books of biting comedy. You might know him from “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” or “Dogma,” or even as Mr. Conductor in the U.S. editions of “Shining Time Station.” He was present the night that comedian Lenny Bruce was arrested for obscenity; when the police tried to question him and asked for his ID, he apparently told them that he didn’t believe in government-issued identification and was hauled off in the same vehicle as was Bruce. This arrest may well have helped guide Carlin toward his examination of language and how it is used — not just “dirty” words, but the way people use other words and phrases. He once said that “Words are my work; they’re my play; they’re my passion.” I’ve used that quote often myself. Explore his work; it’s all still very much worth discovering.
John Dunkelburg June 30, 2019, 6:02 am
The bit you’re referencing dates to Carlin’s 1972 double-LP “Class Clown”. My dad had it in his collection and for some reason he let me listen to it before I turned 10. Probably why my sense of humor is what it is today.
June 27, 2019, 7:24 am
Who’s Carlin?
June 27, 2019, 3:31 pm
George Denis Patrick Carlin (1937-2008) was a stand-up comedian, actor, and social satirist without parallel. I saw him live in the very early 1970s, when he was still breaking into the public view. Much of his stand-up material was captured in HBO specials, and he authored several books of biting comedy. You might know him from “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” or “Dogma,” or even as Mr. Conductor in the U.S. editions of “Shining Time Station.” He was present the night that comedian Lenny Bruce was arrested for obscenity; when the police tried to question him and asked for his ID, he apparently told them that he didn’t believe in government-issued identification and was hauled off in the same vehicle as was Bruce. This arrest may well have helped guide Carlin toward his examination of language and how it is used — not just “dirty” words, but the way people use other words and phrases. He once said that “Words are my work; they’re my play; they’re my passion.” I’ve used that quote often myself. Explore his work; it’s all still very much worth discovering.
June 28, 2019, 8:55 am
Oh thanks! 😀
June 30, 2019, 6:02 am
The bit you’re referencing dates to Carlin’s 1972 double-LP “Class Clown”. My dad had it in his collection and for some reason he let me listen to it before I turned 10. Probably why my sense of humor is what it is today.