The ‘T’ Word
If you have breasts, what do you call them? If you don’t have them, what do you call them?
‘Boobs’ is a common choice. It’s a little juvenile-sounding though, perhaps best suited to use for humour or with children.
‘Breasts’ can be too formal, reminiscent of medical examinations and uncomfortable x-rays.
‘The Girls’? Meant to be cute and funny, but the first time I heard it was from a 60-plus year old man referring to his daughter’s maid of honour and what she was bring to the wedding. …Ewwww.
I’m back to online dating. My current casual relationship is drawing to a logical close and although it’s been a positive experience, it’s time for both of us to move on. The most disappointing part is that I have returned to online dating. At risk of repeating myself… Ewwww.
Which brings me to breasts… and what you call them. One of the first men I met with in person described a woman and he used the word ‘tits’. “Big tits” to quote him accurately. I winced. I couldn’t help it. My esteem for him plummeted.
And then, this past week I’m reading a profile. I’m engaged enough that I’m considering swiping right… and he finished off with ‘Wits over tits any day’.
I swiped left.
He was likely thinking his little witticism would be an endearing way to say he values a woman’s mind over her body. I’ll never find out. He lost me at ‘tits’.
The word ‘tits’ has a charge on it for many women. Not all of course. Body awareness and relationship to one’s body comes in all shapes, sizes, attitudes and vocabulary. Your body, your choice of descriptors.
Speaking for myself, when I hear the ‘T’ word, I can’t help but think of all the adjectives I’ve heard precede it; big, puny, sloppy, saggy; most often spoken by men, most always judgmental or derogatory, reducing a woman’s worth to one body part.
I could re-write this post all over again and use the ‘D’ word. Dick. There are a lot of negative descriptors that go with that particular body-part-nickname.
My personal word choice for breasts? Bosoms. Depending on context, there is warmth, humour and a positive feminine energy attached to the word — bosom buddies for example. No one is a ‘t’ word friend.
Stay safe everyone.
Made me laugh. Thanks.
I’m glad to hear that. No guarantees how someone will react to this sort of topic.
Thank you.
Figure heads on ships were often wemon. This because sailors often refered to the ship as a she. The common term for breasts was bosoms. I can’t imagine a romance novel saying she prest her naked tits against his body. Great read Anne you still owe me a tea for helping you with that sensitive project.
What a great comment. Thank you for this.
…And, there was a sensitive project? I’ll happily buy you tea or whatever else… please contact me personally.
Again, thanks for adding to the history.