Dame!

I will remind you now that I am not a cusser....but this post is about cussing....sort of.

We have 25 new international students this semester. When I was in college they were called "foreign" students....but I guess the PC term is "international" now. Whatever. They are from a different country and almost always really delightful. Hmm...delightful. I don't think I have EVER used that word in a sentence before. But....it is a good description of the international students.

Anyway....I get to know most of them right off the bat because they need shots and I am just the woman to give 'em to them. One of the students from eastern Europe was in my office last week and needed 3 shots. He was not excited and although he did well....he did say something under he breath that I didn't really catch. I just sort of ignored it cuz I wasn't even sure it was English.

He said "Is dame a bad thing to say?"
I, being my extremely helpful self, said, "Well, not really a bad thing to say but it isn't really used that much anymore....and when it was used it was probably not the most respectful term for a lady."
He looked confused then said, "But I hear people say it all the time."
I said, "Really? How is it used?"
He said, "You know....like....Dame! I have a lot of homework....or Dame! I locked my keys in the car!"
I said, "Oooohhh.....short vowel sound a. Ummm...that's a swear word and you will hear your peers use it a lot but it is probably not something that is appropriate to use around faculty or staff or adults." I tried not to laugh.
He was very contrite and said "Oh, so sorry, I did not mean to offend."
I assured him that I was not offended and went back into my little cubby hole of an office.

Ever since that day, I catch my self saying silently....DAME! I have a LOT of work to do.