There are certain words and combinations of words that strike fear and loathing in people’s hearts. They are, of course, mere words but sometimes their implications can be frightening.
Take the example of one of my granddaughters who today got her hands on her mother’s credit card and until she was caught, she probably was making plans as to what to do with it. Since she is 19 months old, we are assuming that she couldn’t have done much harm unless her older siblings have taught her that most dangerous of phrases: “charge it.”
And take that most horrid word, worse than any of the smarmy four letter words who only aspire to the fear and disgust this one invokes: overweight.
“It can’t be! I tried so hard. I sat and planned and worried and deprived myself and I am still overweight. I can’t believe it! This can’t be happening!”
“Don’t get excited,” I am told, “You aren’t the only one.”
“Of course not, but still…”
“You can pay extra and it will be all right.”
“What?”
“You can pay extra for your suitcase and we will allow it on the plane.”
“Oh! My SUITCASE! …..I guess I can cancel my nervous breakdown”