I ask this because I always read that people who physically punish their children say they don't beat them and it is only called beating if there are marks left. English is not my native language and I don't live in an English speaking country. So my question is if the word "beating" is really defined this way in the English language or if these people just don't want to use a word that doesn't sound nice.
2006-12-14 07:54:10 · 6 answers · asked by Elly 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Beating is an act of repeated hitting or striking.
Most people use the word 'beating' when they are referring to repeated hitting done only in anger with the sole intent of causing damage or pain. They usually are referring to out of control physical violence. They separate 'beating' from spanking and other forms of punishment because they feel they are doing it out of love because they believe if it's controlled, it's OK. When someone says that they 'don't leave marks' they are trying to justify it by proving they aren't hitting the child very hard. That they are only trying to get a point across to the child rather than trying to severely hurt the child. Technically, if they are hitting the child repeatedly in any way it is a beating even if there are no marks left. Keep in mind that people make up their own definitions for words. It's very controversial since a lot of people believe any form of hitting is inappropriate.
*When we say 'beating' we usually mean that it's excessive or abusive. Punching, whipping or kicking a child would usually be called beating. Spanking would usually not be called beating even though it actually is.
2006-12-14 08:13:57 · answer #1 · answered by Pico 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We use the term "beating" when the child is in big trouble. That simply means they will get their butt smacked. In america they take words and make them interchangable. This is important to confuse the outside world. Of course, you do have your sick people who actually do beat their kids to death, but those are not normal people. For the people who don't beat their kids' butts when they are little, the same kids get beat up in school because of it. So, keep that in mind if you are trying to take a parent tip from one of those non-beaters. Thank you and good luck with the translation.
2006-12-14 08:05:34 · answer #2 · answered by cookie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beating means to hit your child usually on the butt or hand as a form of punishment. I never liked to be beat when I was a kid but some kids now days deserve it.
2006-12-14 08:04:17 · answer #3 · answered by Dylan w 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Beating is only defined that way by those wanting to justify using excessive physical punishment on their children
2006-12-14 07:57:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A beating is usually hitting, punching or using whatever you can get your hands on. It is a beating even if it doesnt leave marks; a spanking now that is usually just to the bottom (behind, butt).
2006-12-14 08:10:35 · answer #5 · answered by Ms. Q 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Beating means the same as when you get mad at a person and beat the crap out of them; spme parents use that for their kids, too.
Beating also means winning a game over someone else.
In English when we say I'm beat that means that we are tired.
When we say we've been beaten it means that we lost a game or some one beat us up.
2006-12-14 08:04:24 · answer #6 · answered by Laela (Layla) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋