For example, I don't believe in the idea of an eternal, immutable 'soul,' though I say it. When I swear, I'll throw out an occasional 'God' or 'Jesus.' Or, I might say someone is 'guilty as sin.' On the non-religious front, maybe you say, 'Button up or you'll catch cold,' even though you may be a microbiologist who knows better.
2007-12-29 11:24:47 · 5 answers · asked by Ron C 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
I have this problem with words referring to "luck", such as "lucky". I usually use "fortunate" instead, but I'm wondering whether that means the same thing...
2007-12-29 11:48:43 · answer #1 · answered by drshorty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Brotherhood" comes to mind, even though I think that sisters can have "sisterhood" just as well :-) Also your basic pronouns that refer to the male gender, as opposed to using a neuter, when talking in the abstract. I also use "knock on wood," even though it refers to the Christian cross, and I'm Jewish!
2007-12-29 12:10:39 · answer #2 · answered by Dances with Unicorns 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yep, I say "Jesus Christ", "Dear God", "for Christ's sake", "God damn it", all those religious 'swears' have come out of my mouth (pretty much every day). I am a non-beliver, but it feels silly to say "Oh my goodness".
2007-12-29 12:07:32 · answer #3 · answered by Who's sarcastic? 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Touch (or knock on) wood." A knee-jerk reaction to ominous situations in which I have no credence.
2007-12-29 12:07:54 · answer #4 · answered by picador 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
liberalism
2007-12-29 12:12:38 · answer #5 · answered by mattiestreasure 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋