“Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself,” These were wise words said by Albus Dumbledore in the first Harry Potter book, written by J.K. Rowling. These days teens have so many “different” sayings and slang terms for words so they can avoid the true meaning.

Sex is one word teens hardly use seriously. There are more slang words than I can count on my fingers for the word “sex” in most teenagers’ vocabulary. And yet, everyone has to go through sex education in state requirements. Every time the word “sex” is mentioned someone in the classroom giggles; granted, these classes usually are 90% freshman. Why doesn’t society say the word? Maybe the lack of acknowledgement of the seriousness of the word demonstrates the lack of understanding of how serious the act itself is. This is just one example of how teenagers have ruined the English language.

Mr. O’Connell says “There’s definitely been a ‘dumbing down’ of society.” Certain words have now taken different connotations. For instance, the word “gay” now means “lame” but could also be a harsh insult to homosexuals. As people do get older, their language does change, as do the people in each new generation. Every generation tries to look for its something to distinguish it but at the same time, something that groups them all together.

Mrs. Valdez comments on how language is ever evolving. Which is good, it does need to keep up with new things teenagers do, but did it really have to keep up in a negative direction? Trends, music and language are things that no matter what disposition or lifestyle, teens can connect to each other through. But is the need to belong so terribly horrifying if you’re not that we have to call people by demeaning names to show friendship?

I’m sure you all know what I mean. When people call females “female dogs” [substituted for explicit word] has now almost become socially acceptable. The work place, at school… it’s either a way to say that female in question is demanding and has a low tolerance for mockery and frivolous subjects or that she’s you’re best friend. When did this once-demeaning word become a regular part of a 16-year-old’s vocabulary?

Being a person who is very open with their speech and understanding of the words I speak, I can honestly say that I know what I am talking about and am not afraid to say anything. There is no point to talking if you aren’t going call something it’s proper term. And calling a girl a “female dog” is not the proper term for her.

Now, remember, I’m just generalizing here. There are people who do have some set or morals and would never resort to this sort of thing but the numbers are drastically low compared to the number of people who do.