# People who shorten words **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 7, 2004, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472 "2004-11-07T06:34:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/41 "2004-11-08T03:48:55Z")
> [@FinnAgain](#): > > [but it wasn’t me!](http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/notoriousbig/goingbacktocali.html) Perpetuation, sir, is a sin unto itself. ---
**Author:** ![Rubystreak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/42 "2004-11-08T04:26:11Z")
I use Dems and Pubs because I’m too lazy to type out Democrats and Republicans over and over. It takes too long and everyone will know what I mean anyway. Those are names, just like Vincenzo, so they should be acceptable, no? As for “kitty” and “belly,” those are both words I use when talking to or about my cats. I really don’t give a rat’s ass who objects to it. I’m not going to start calling my cats’ bellies their lower abdominal area. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![JayElle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/4bbf92/32.png) [@JayElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JayElle)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/43 "2004-11-08T04:56:48Z")
I’m all for “kitties” and “bellies” but my friend needs to stop calling vaginas “hoo hoos” and underwear “plunders”. ---
**Author:** ![Alma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecd19e/32.png) [@Alma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alma)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/44 "2004-11-08T05:57:26Z")
> [@FinnAgain](#): > > I just hate both phrases, short and long. > But as long as you’re going to shorten it, why not choose a better word? > (I also think that boyfriend/girlfriend makes it sound like we’re all in gradeschool still.) Herein lies my problem. What should I call the man I live with and have been with for years, but we are not married? I dislike calling him my ‘boyfriend’ but I detest saying ‘significant other.’ I’m not willing to call him my ‘lover’ in casual company. What should I use? ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/45 "2004-11-08T06:05:59Z")
The only thing you can really do is just call him by his name. Nothing much left. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Llama](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a698b9/32.png) [@The\_Llama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Llama)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/46 "2004-11-08T06:12:55Z")
> [@vinniepaz](#): > > ok lets start from the top of you’re vast array of witty insults that sting me like nettles. > > 1. My point was quite obviously not to shortening of names, but of words people shorten just to sound casual or whatever the hell the goal is there. > > 2. Vinnie is short for Vincezo not Vincent > > 3. Vinnie Paz is a rapper. So you mean words like “gonna?” ---
**Author:** ![FinnAgain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finnagain/32/12500_2.png) [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/47 "2004-11-08T06:14:25Z")
> [@Harimad-sol](#): > > Perpetuation, sir, is a sin unto itself. The hell clause clearly states that hell is reserved for those who believe in it; the lowest circle of hell being reserved for those who believe they’ll go there if they don’t believe in it All sins have been rendered null and void, enjoy your holliday. **Alma** : Tough call! I tend to use the word ‘lover’ when dealing with people who I’m cool with, but I could understand how you wouldn’t want to introduce him like that to your boss… likewise for calling him your ‘man’. ‘Partner’ is generic enough, but it sounds… sterile. Maybe **Harimad-sol** is right and you should just say “this is -insert name-”? ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/48 "2004-11-08T06:21:17Z")
> [@FinnAgain](#): > > The hell clause clearly states that hell is reserved for those who believe in it; > the lowest circle of hell being reserved for those who believe they’ll go there if they don’t believe in it > > All sins have been rendered null and void, enjoy your holliday. Just wanted an excuse to post using the word perpetuation, if it’s really a word. At least I’ve found the thing that will keep me up wondering tonight. Now that my sins have been nullified, must go out and commit some more. 😃 > [@](#): > > **Alma** : Tough call! I tend to use the word ‘lover’ when dealing with people who I’m cool with, but I could understand how you wouldn’t want to introduce him like that to your boss… likewise for calling him your ‘man’. ‘Partner’ is generic enough, but it sounds… sterile. > > Maybe **Harimad-sol** is right and you should just say “this is -insert name-”? You’re supposed to pronounce it “Lov-ahh,” though, and throw in a knowing grimace. And of course I’m right. The sooner everyone realizes this, the happier we’ll all be. ---
**Author:** ![stately\_plump\_buck\_mulligan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/858c86/32.png) [@stately\_plump\_buck\_mulligan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stately_plump_buck_mulligan)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/49 "2004-11-08T06:31:08Z")
As a Cali native [So Cali even] [yes, I grimaced when typing both of those] I hope the OP never has a run-in with ‘Dub See’ ---
**Author:** ![blowero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/41988e/32.png) [@blowero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blowero)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/50 "2004-11-08T06:33:29Z")
> [@TeaElle](#): > > I was specifically responding to **stately** ’s excellent comeback, including her inspired use of “buttmunch” without going to the hassle of spelling it out. I’m sorry that bothered you. Who said it bothered me? It seems rather _odd_ that hearing another person use the word buttmunch would rock your world, but hey - whatever floats your boat. This isn’t some sort of veiled anger at _me_ is it? Because I was just kidding around, so I hope you didn’t get your panties all in a bunch or anything about that. > [@](#): > > From now on I’ll be more specific when giving kudos to another Doper, just so that you’re in the loop. Sure, if that makes you happy, go for it. ---
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 9:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/51 "2004-11-08T09:45:32Z")
> [@buttonjockey308](#): > > Yeah, perhaps the shortcut words for genitalia are troublesome, but when things get, ahem, heated, the last thing I want is my paramour whispering in my ear, with that bedroom voice is “place your fingers in my vagina” that’s just wrong. :eek: Exactly. > [@](#): > > … Even worse are cutesy little words for genitalia or bodily or sexual functions. Can we just grow up, already. Saying the words vagina or urine isn’t going to make your tongue fall out of your head. For me it’s not that the proper technical words make me all embarrassed or “ungrownup” or something, I just find them aesthetically displeasing. But I find other words that have nothing to do with bodily functions and sex aesthetically displeasing as well, and I almost always try to use a better sounding word. For instance the word “garbage”, nothing embarrassing or bodily about it, it’s just an ugly word, I use trash instead, which is only slightly better. I wish I could get away with using the Yorkshire version of dust bin. 😃 I do use the word tummy, but to describe as **stately** sort of described, someone who might have a bit of a tummy as in too chubby, it just sounds less harsh and mean. But when talking of the organ, the stomach, I use the “proper” word. It’s just the way my “ear” works I guess. At 45 years old, I’m certainly not being cutsie. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/52 "2004-11-08T14:22:39Z")
Wow. I only just now realized that “tummy” was a shortening of the word “stomach.” Who knew? ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/53 "2004-11-08T16:13:37Z")
> [@Green Bean](#): > > Wow. I only just now realized that “tummy” was a shortening of the word “stomach.” Who knew? Holy crap! Me too! How 'bout that? ---
**Author:** ![TeaElle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@TeaElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeaElle)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/54 "2004-11-08T17:10:56Z")
> [@blowero](#): > > Who said it bothered me? It seems rather _odd_ that hearing another person use the word buttmunch would rock your world, but hey - whatever floats your boat. It was the _skill_ and humor with which it was used that I was applauding. > [@](#): > > This isn’t some sort of veiled anger at _me_ is it? Because I was just kidding around, so I hope you didn’t get your panties all in a bunch or anything about that. When I’m angry and/or panty-bunched, you’ll know, my good friend. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/55 "2004-11-08T17:29:53Z")
> [@stately plump buck mulligan](#): > > On topic, kinda? Can’t stand women who refer to their vaginas as their “pretties.” Shudder. Gah! We have a neighbor who says “pretty” when talking about her dog’s vagina. Not a usual topic, mind you, but pretty annoying. ---
**Author:** ![FinnAgain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finnagain/32/12500_2.png) [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/56 "2004-11-08T17:40:31Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > Gah! We have a neighbor who says “pretty” when talking about her dog’s vagina. Not a usual topic, mind you, but pretty annoying. Luckily enough I just started eating lunch… that is just so disturbing on so many levels. (and y’all are ruining the word pretty for me! The next time I hear someone say something is pretty…) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/57 "2004-11-08T17:51:07Z")
Guess where the dog got an infection while boarded in a kennel? ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/58 "2004-11-08T18:43:50Z")
> [@yosemite](#): > > It’s _California_, not “Cali.” “Cali” sounds like the name of a kitten, or a young woman. Not a state. > > I don’t remember any natives calling it “Cali” all the time I’ve lived there (and when I return “home” for visits semi-frequently), but I guess some people do. They need to _stop_. Ugh. Jai ma Cali, jai ma Cali! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [November 8, 2004, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/59 "2004-11-08T19:25:09Z")
> [@buttonjockey308](#): > > Yeah, perhaps the shortcut words for genitalia are troublesome, but when things get, ahem, heated, the last thing I want is my paramour whispering in my ear, with that bedroom voice is “place your fingers in my vagina” that’s just wrong. :eek: This reminds me of the groupies’ dialogue in _200 Motels_: Chorus: _Your dick! Your dork! Your prick! Your pork!_ Janet: Your pork? Lucy: Who calls it a pork? These men, and the stuff they call a wee-wee! Mark & Howard: _A weee-weeeee?!?!_ Rance Muhammitz: You mean a penis, don’t you? Lucy: A penis? Janet: Penis is such an ugly word. Rance Muhammitz: It’s not that ugly, really. Howard: Sure, I use it all the time. Mark: Sure, sure, we all say it every once in a while. Listen: PENIS. Janet: Ewww, it sounds so revolting the way you guys say it. Ew, caca. Caca! Rance Muhammitz: The penis can be a very useful organ. Howard: Yeah, and very exciting, too, once you get to know me. Lucy: It sounds so overwhelmingly medicinal. Janet: A penis sounds like something a _doctor_ would have hanging off of him. Lucy: None of the men _I_ know and love in the rock & roll business got “penises.” They all got cocks, or dicks at least. Janet: Sure, you want to go strap on a pop star, and he wants to stick a _penis_ up you. Where’s _that_ at? ---
**Author:** ![pencilpusher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d6d6ee/32.png) [@pencilpusher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pencilpusher)\ **Post date:** [November 9, 2004, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472/60 "2004-11-09T04:14:20Z")
There is only one word that irritates the everlovin hell out of me when it’s shortened. My name. For some reason, my dumb shit ex sister in law thinks it’s cute to shorten it. I hate her guts anyway but when the bitch calls me SHE instead of SHEILA I just want to punch her in the fucking mouth! :mad: I told her to stop saying my name if she was too stupid to add the LA at the end. That was about 2 years ago… She hasn’t spoken to me since 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-shorten-words/273472.md?page=4)