SLANG BANG

Hi there,

In beginning to work as a teacher in a public high school I have found myself surrounded by slang and slurs, the word "like" being the most offensive to my ear. A very close second (only taking second because it is generally used as a filler and not an insult) is "faggot". I once heard that the association between this word and homosexuals was that, in "the ole' days" gay persons were strapped together as a 'bundle of sticks' and used as firewood to burn witches. Now this response to a teenager throwing around the word frivolously is usually effective; I am, however, beginning to feel guilty as I cannot name my source. I am split in my hope that I am right and that I am wrong. It would be horrible if this actually happened and less horrible if I have been remembering inaccurately (lying). Any help you could give, or a direction you could steer me in would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Maggie Pesce

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Dear Maggie,

In many cases word usage and related lineage is somewhere between subjective and fodder for a publication. (The Schur books are the best of breed.) 

I can bail you out. Set priorities and take comfort in the realization that it is okay to bluff once in a while. The highest priority is steering kids in the direction of intelligent and calculated communication. Vulgarity, slang, and the grating assault of "like" and "you know" can trump an otherwise solid resume. "Remembering inaccurately" is not lying but I applaud the high standard you set for yourself. Tell your class you tested your theory with Everybody's Uncle and he gave his imprimatur.

They won't know what it means; I am not sure myself.
Everybody's Uncle