Posted on Jul 20, 2023 in
On the Porch with Patti
By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher
Best t-shirt ever! I need it in every color.
I was always taught not to use four-letter words. Most of the four-letter words that I knew in my child mind were not always the most appropriate to use. Sure, there was damn and hell and such, but those words are in the Bible, so if they are good enough for Jesus, they’re good enough for me to use without repercussions. That logic stopped Mother cold.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that this lesson holds true. Four-letter words can get a body in a world of trouble. And when I say body, I mean Mr. Kaminski.
After nearly 30 years of marriage, the one word that will land Mr. Kaminski in the dog house contains four letters and is typically used in a myriad of ways: condemning, quizzical, accusatory, matter-of-fact with a bite. And I don’t appreciate any of them.
Now I’m sure you’re wondering what in the world this idiom of the English language could possibly be that I find so off-putting and downright infuriating. It’s a common word, but in my world, it means something totally different than its intended meaning. To me, it’s a fightin’ word – and I tend to be a bit on the aggressive side as it is, so it’s best not to poke the bear.
This nasty nemesis that gets my pressure up is the word “mood.” I don’t care how it’s used; it’s the ultimate four-letter word in my mind.
“You’re in a mood,” Mr. Kaminski would unwittingly utter early on in our marriage. “Nope, but I am now, so bring it on Tonto,” was my akin to my typical response.
Then there’s the, “What kind of mood are you in?” query posed before either a ridiculous inquiry that I would never agree to or worse, bad news. There’s just no positive outcome when you preface any conversation with that question.
Of course, my favorite infraction adds a letter to the word. “Why are you so moody?” Moody? Really? Why would one ask such an ignorant question clearly designed to cause them bodily harm?
In the literary world, the word “mood” refers to the emotion the author strives to evoke in the reader. I’m certain of the emotions the word evokes in me, and none of them are positive. My best advice? Do not use this particular four-letter word in any way, shape or form in conversation with me. It puts me in a mood. See y’all next week – on the porch!
Patti Parish-Kaminski
Follow Patti Parish-Kaminski on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OnThePorchWithPatti/ and on Instagram at instagram.com/ontheporchwithpatti/.
