Do you ever deal with folks that are offended by truth?
Words
You love them, use them and inadvertently offend with them.
Words have meaning when truth offends speak truth anyway!
You use words that mean exactly what you mean to say. You’re not good at the whole politically correct walk-on-egg-shells and don’t offend at all costs thing. Truth offends. You speak it anyway. You’re Forthright, honest, intense?
You use language to say what you mean, oops.
Some find it irritating.
truth seeker - truthteller
- word lover
- intense language
Oddly enough, here are some words that were deemed inappropriate for use, each word was used in it’s exact, dictionary context. And really, this is where you draw a line, – yes, a kinder, gentler, less abrasive you
Are there ‘nicer’ ways to refer to the meaning of these words, so as not to hurt and offend? A way to help veracity not be so irksome?
Let’s try! A way to speak the
Offended by the Truth that Gossip is Vexing
Oh vey, here is a full blog post about this insidious practice that permeates not just our culture as a whole, but specifically Christian and Hebrew Roots cultures alike. It’s ugly. It’s wrong. But, okay, let’s see if some effort is put into making the language less abrasive -.
You could use the words “tittle-tattle, scandal, muckraker, whisperer, hearsay, scuttlebutt”….hmm if you want to stay calm and kind, but need to confront gossip, “gossip” may be the least offensive word available! Contrarily, if the subject is spreading rumors or telling tales, gossip is about as gentle as possible. Consequently, if the use of the word gossip displeases others, perhaps the cause is internal.
Honesty can be vexing,
The words Shun and Shunning give offense
Being a fan of Amish literature – such as Beverly Lewis writes, I’ve often jokingly longed for a ‘Messianic Amish” fellowship! Little did I know I was soon to be the recipient of one of the most shocking Amish practices. Being shunned. But, here we go again, this is offensive to those who have chosen to shun us. Guilty consciences are easily affronted by the
Call for a boycott on a boycott
But, sure, we could say as a group, they chose to withdraw from our company or fellowship. We could say they refused to participate or cooperate with us in any fashion. That they have washed their hands of the offending party, snubbed, shunned, or turned one’s backs.
Wrong doers are frequently offended by truth.
Manipulative is Insulting
Yikes, this is truly the less offensive choice for describing someone who is being disingenuous in their speech – especially when making untrue accusations.
Alternatively, scheming, calculating, cunning, crafty, wily, shrewd, devious, slick, unscrupulous are your other choices…
I think a lot of people gossip to try to “fit in” or to try to take the attention away from their own actions!
Yeah, I’d agree with that for sure. Just seems easier for most.
I agree in part, however, we are called to speak the truth in love as well, right? So when choosing our words, even more important may be our tone and actions in dealing with someone who has been manipulative, a gossiper, etc. Otherwise, when we speak we be the ones getting labeled…judgmental, intolerant, etc.
Thank you, Ammie, for pointing out that this is an incomplete post! You are absolutely correct. I’m going to schedule this one for an update that is more thorough. I really appreciate it!