Wolfloversk, the word 'ass' is pronounced and spelt differently to the American term. It wasn't considered a bad word back then and it still isn't (in England and much of the world). I really don't see why people get all up in arms about such things.

Intriguing... I will admit there are some swear words that I never understood why they were considered bad... that being one of them. It was probably just being used frequently enough as a substitute here that people got upset over it. I know too some terms are generational... one generation considers it bad and another doesn't.

Just some clarification, the forum software automatically changes the abbreviation Hermitess meant to use to OMP, which stands for Oh my platypus. We got tired of PMing people to edit the other abbreviation.

You aren't supposed to own platypuses (platypi?) If the powers that be thought people were carting off poor little platypi overseas they'd be on their case like a ton of bricks. Judging by the queasiness about the American donkey synonym, I'd say OMP stands for Oh my plumber!

I tell you what really shocked me though, when I read The Magician's Nephew and Polly called Digory an a** you know what.

When was this in the book? I know about Uncle Andrew's swearing. He does so in the same way as many men did at the turn of the 20th Century. "Dem" sounded more genteel than did the proper word.

*did not notice anything, but has not watched the movie a second time or with subtitles* That is rather odd. But, still, in PC, Lucy said "gosh", which is a euphamism. There is a different, though.

*never got surprised at "ass" being mentioned in TMN* I guessed that Polly was calling Digory a donkey. The word is in one of our Christmas hymns: "What Child is this, who lays to rest, [...] where ox and ass are sleeping." It really orginally means donkey. I'm guessing it's more of an old-term since unrefined definitions have now made themselves synonymous with the word. But I'm absolutely sure Lewis meant "donkey." EDIT: Referring to Warrior's post below, I guess it isn't a donkey? Anywho, he said it's something similar, so it most definitely doesn't mean the modern definition for it.

As for the Dem', I take (and I stand to be corrected) it is not a serious curse word in Britain as it is in the U.S.? (same with the adjective for blood) So it never bothers me reading it in the books. I don't think I'll ever use the word, but it only appears a few times in the book, so it doesn't make me dislike the book or anything. (I admit, I was very surprised to see Jill say it. With Uncle Andrew, it did not take me by surprise.) Does the full word ever appear in print in the books? I can't remember.

Actually an ass isn't a donkey, only something quite similar, but that's arguing semantics.

All I can say is, all the characters in Narnia, except Aslan, in both book and film, have their faults. They are sinners. We all are. We all swear, even if unintentionally, we have our wrongs.

Don't expect the characters to act perfect, though Eustace using God's name in vain I actually thought was a good detail to show his sinful deeds.

I'll admit I was a little upset when I first heard this, but I eventually got over it.

When I read silver chair I was very shocked to see jill say
"well it's d@m' good of you" but it might not have been bad when the books were written, and it was in england and I don't know whats swear words and whats not. but yah I get the point

I think C.S. Lewis is exploring the concept of why is taking the Higher Power's title in vain such an issue. Contrast the Narnian's saying "by the Lion" or "by the Lion's mane" vs. the Earthlings saying "by Jove". Yup, the Narnians are swearing by their deity that they are very much aware of, while the Earthlings are swearing by an ancient pagan deity that nobody really worships anymore. I wonder if C.S. Lewis is stating that there are simply waaaaaay worse things you can do besides taking the Lord's name in vain.

I do admit to saying "A Certain Someone" most of the time instead of Aslan's Secret Identity, but that is just a personal quirk.

Just before that in SC Eustace says "Oh, Lor" (capital 'L', no 'd')

And the Cabby (later King Frank) says "Gawd! Ain't it lovely" during the Creation of Narnia.

I'd say Lewis was just more broad-minded on what he considered to be profanity.

^^ Indeed. He seemed almost to think that taking the Lord's Name in vain was a sort of honor. Especially in the instance with Bree, when they say Narnians swear only by Aslan.

On another note, is saying "God" or "Lord" in that manner, swearing in the first place? Not according to the Ten Commandments. If you go to the original texts and read the Ten Commandments, when it says "do not take the Lord's Name in vain" it is talking about making oaths -- promising something in God's Name -- when you have no intention of following through with it. It has nothing to do with using His name as a curse word.

~Riella

And I would argue that even if the commandment referred to people saying things like "Ohmygosh!", it certainly wouldn't apply to the Narnians' use of "By the Lion!" and things like that. There's nothing inherently disrespectful about what they're saying.

Yes, it depends on the attitude- though I imagine even Narnians slip at times.

"OhmyAslan, did you see the way Hwin's braided her mane?"

One of my favorite quotes is Cromwell's heartfelt plea to the Scottish Presbyterian Elders, seeking to avoid a war:

"I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken."

(but, as historian John Prebble noted, " as they had never considered such a possibility before, they saw no reason to start now.")

It has nothing to do with using His name as a curse word.

This may be touching the same point, but in The Lord's Prayer doesn't it say "Hallowed be thy name" indicating it's wrong to use God's name as a curse word.

This may be touching the same point, but in The Lord's Prayer doesn't it say "Hallowed be thy name" indicating it's wrong to use God's name as a curse word.

That scripture just seems to indicate God's name is Holy; something that should be respected. So I guess it all depends on whether you think using His name in that manner is disrespectful. Lewis obviously didn't think so, since (from what Bree said to Shasta) it was almost like an act of reverence in his eyes.

~Riella

Do you mean "By the Lion"? (or something like that--sorry I can't remember. ) I don't find that disrespectful--like you said, it's more reverence.

I thought you were referring to the cabby's "Gawd" or "Lor' " (both of which I probably would not use. Especially the former, though. The latter...I wouldn't use it, but it doesn't come off to me as disrespectful as the first, but I'm a little undecided. I don't think the cabby or whoever said "Lor'" was trying to be disrespctful, though. Lewis probably just used them... I don't really hold it against him or whatever. )

It may be Bree's way of acknowledging Aslan, only I would avoid saying that sort of thing myself. Generally on television, "Oh my ----" is used irreverently, when really trivial things happen, or someone gets injured. It's being used as a throwaway word that people just use when they are excited, and that's the problem, it can lead to some not taking God seriously.