Last week we were discussing how language is always evolving, as is the world around us. This topic reminded me of Destiny's Child's infamous song "Bootylicious." The song is posted below.
Bootylicious, which originally was the title of a song, became so popular that it became an actual word. Definitions below.
Bootylicious
- 2 dictionary resultsWorld English Dictionary
| bootylicious (ˌbuːtɪˈlɪʃəs) | |
| — adj | |
| slang sexually attractive, esp with curvaceous buttocks | |
| [C20 from | |
| Main Entry: | bootylicious |
| Part of Speech: | adj |
| Definition: | sexually attractive, esp. in the buttocks |
| Etymology: | booty + de licious |
| Usage: | slang |
I think this is just a way to keep the public interested in language. "Bling" was also added after the many songs and famous icons who used the word often.
ReplyDeleteDo you think that this allows the public to be more creative or do you think that it hurts the public because it's saying to them that it's ok to 'dumb down' proper language?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear this speech because I recently saw a show where Beyonce Knowles said she regrets making this song because of the hype the word "bootylicious" has gotten. I can't believe it's in the dictionary now! Looking forward to this speech!
ReplyDeleteResponding to your question about 'dumbing down' proper language. I don't think it is. No one questions the creation of new scientific words, but since the word originated from use in popular culture, everyone thinks "Oh, it's just slang, it's not a real word." Our language is constantly growing and evolving; words from pop culture are just as relevant as any other word.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to hearing this speech. It's crazy how slang words can spread so fast to the point where it's used so much that it has to be included in the dictionary (like the person above me said, "Bling Bling" is now in the dictionary).
ReplyDeleteI think it all depends on who comes out with a word. Actually how much the word is heard all depends on how it was brought about. For example, if I or my english proffesor come up with a word, it will only get so far, when celebrities of those names in shinning lights come up with something, its INCREDIBLE to people. Therefore, we just follow.
ReplyDelete