Today's MOZEN: A Meditation on the Word Fuck

Words by F LoBuono

Despite it's association with foul language, it is still one of the most widely used words in the English lexicon. In fact, its meaning transcends English. It is just as well known internationally. But, no one uses the word FUCK more often, more creatively, and more brazenly than New Yorkers. No one.

The word itself is Germanic, probably Indo-European in origin, and first appeared in the 16th Century. The root meaning is strike (makes sense!). The great stand-up comedian, George Carlin, lauded the incredible flexibility and power of the word in his 1972 routine Usage of the Word Fuck. He rightly pointed out and demonstrated that it can be used as a noun, a verb, an adjective, and an adverb. And, who could forget "FUCK Of The Mountain"? There are few, if any, words in the English language that are as versatile.

And, there isn't a place on the planet whose populace uses the word more often and in more ways than New York. Fuck has become so much a part of a New Yorker's vernacular that we hardily even notice that it is not considered proper English in most circles. We use it when we are frustrated: I'm fucked. We use it when we are joyful: That was fucking great! We use it demonstratively: Go fuck yourself. We use it as a plea for mercy: Give me a fucking break! We use it, well, just for the fucking sake of it!

Some outsiders are shocked by the frequency of its use here. You can't walk a fucking block in New York without hearing it a thousand fucking times! And, why the fuck not? Still, others see it as part of the colorful fabric that IS New York City. While working the GOP National Convention for CBS News here in 2004, one of our producers from Dallas arrived at our location studio in a very excited state. I asked him what happened to get him so charged up.

He replied, "well, I walked here from my hotel room and I have never heard the word FUCK used so many times, so creatively, and by SO many people - and, all in just a few blocks"!

"It didn't freak you out"? I asked.

"No. Not at all. In fact, I thought it was incredible"! he answered, a big smile on his face. "It's just SO New York".

The next day he proudly purchased the ubiquitous T-shirt sold in Times Square extolling the virtues of the word:

Fuck you
You Fuckin'
Fuck

My parting words to him where, fuckin' aye!