How much can words affect your mood or the way you feel?

Question

Simple words,good words,not bad ones.Can they be said or written in a way that makes you feel happy or sad or hurt or touched...depending on how they are used and by whom?

Which words come to your mind? How do you feel about them?

Is this different when they are used in personal communication or in media?

Do they sound differently depending on the person who uses it?

For me,some words are particularly hurtful,but I won't write them here,since they can be used in a good way,too.

Thank you for sharing your feelings with me!:)

I'm NOT talking about bad words or words that are used to offend.What I have in mind is something much more subtle.I'm talking about good words,that are used by all.

I'll give you just one example(not the word I had in mind when I asked this question;)):

Honey~This can be very sweet or very patronizing,depending on who says it and how.

Does this depend on how the word is said or written or on how do you feel about that particular word? Or both?

Hmm...Ok,let me try again:

Think of the words "fine" and "nice" and how they can not always transmit good things or good feelings or good sensations.

Answer 1

Well, I'm still not sure I entirely understand the meaning behind your question or what it is you're looking for in your answers, but I'll give it a go...

Firstly, I don't think the use of a word affects my mood. That is to say, if someone deigns to use the word "terrorist" in my presence, I am not inclined to be afraid or upset or anything else. It's just a word. Conversely, as you stipulated you are referring to good words, if somebody says "laughter" in my presence, it's not very likely I shall suddenly begin to laugh and smile. So, from that standpoint, the imposition of a certain word has no meaning. It is entirely in the context of the way in which words are used that one derives meaning and feeling. I hope I'm making sense to you.

So, after further review, I concluded that your question referred to not so much the words being spoken as the manner in which they were said. Your later example of "honey," a normally sweet (literally so) word being turned into something less sweet through the use of condescension pointed me, I think, in the right direction. Mind you, I'm still not entirely sanguine I am getting this at all.

I'll give you an example from my own lexicon and see if this is along the lines of what you are looking for with this question. When an acquaintance, someone who doesn't really know me very well (a colleague at work, for example) asks how I'm doing, I will often respond, "fine; and you?" Interestingly, when a close friend or someone in my family asks me the same question and gets the same answer, they immediately know something is amiss. Why? Because I use "fine" to mean anything but. It's a polite, rather lightweight word that, for me at least, covers for an honest and thorough answer that most really don't want to hear (which raises the separate issue of how people aren't REALLY wishing to know how you're actually doing when they ask, "how are you?"). But I digress.

In the written form, I tend to dislike seeing "thanx" or "thx" (again, a seemingly positive word). It is a rather bizarre construct, I think. How much more difficult is it to write out "thank you" or even "thanks"? It seems almost designed to be less friendly or even more insincere. There are other examples of this but, again, I'm still trying to figure out what you're seeking with your question.

As to how words are transmitted verbally, much of that can be determined by the tenor and tone in which the words are being said, as well as through observing the speaker's body language (which of course won't work on the telephone). I can usually discern sincerity from insincerity when someone is speaking directly to me, especially in person. But again, it isn't the words themselves that are affecting my mood, it is the way in which they are being conveyed. Do you see what I mean?

Okay then. I hope I've managed to address your question(s) in the manner which you were seeking when you posted. If I have, I'd be curious to know which words you consider "particularly hurtful" and would ask in return if you would post them in your comments after you resolve this question. Fair enough? Thank you.

Answer 2

Sometimes words matter quite a lot. Since you only want to hear about the good ones, I suppose the most significant ones would be "I love you," and the difference certainly depends on who says it and what context. The best example I have is that some people make it like "good bye" on telephone conversations, and thus blunt their effect. Others say it rarely, but with real feeling, often with warm hugs and eye contact and like that. In between are people who say it often, but they do in fact mean it. If someone I don't like says it, it makes me feel creepy, because I don't know how to respond.

Then there are lines like "Jesus loves you," which ought to be fine, but if it's someone who's gearing up to berate me due to the assumption that I'm a devil worshiper and "Bible hater" -- I recently got a blog comment to that effect -- it can be pretty nauseating.

Answer 3

Anything can hurt or offend the right person, Some people use vulgar terms to refer to the male and female genetilla, Some people are ok with that, And others find it very offensive....Just depends on how well you were raised and how your morals were tought to you.

Answer 4

A word of encouragement can be as refreshing as a cold drink on a hot summer day!

Answer 5

Words that I like to hear, say, write, and/or read: lilacs, simplicity, grace, warmth, glow, smiles, light, airy, wondrous, amazing, smooth,sweet baby, oh I guess there are a few pet names my love says that I can't say. . .

Answer 6

A lot. If someone says something encouraging it can make your day. If someone is constantly critical, it can ruin your day.

Answer 7

i do it all the time. being nice and encouraging people mkes them happy. or else, cruelty shuts em up

Answer 8

it hurts more when somebody you love says it