As Poop John the First of the Church of the Holy Shitters it is important for me to bring up shit since it is an integral part of our religion. The word shit is part of our Church name. It is also routinely bleeped out in the media. How it is used in our language with all of its various connotations is worthwhile examining.
The word crap is a word closely associated with the word shit but does not have as bad a reputation. It is often used as a more acceptable substitute for shit. As an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor with over 20 years of experience, I am certainly aware of the many quirks that exist in the usage of the English language. One of my favorite sayings to my students is "English is CRAZY. All rules are broken!." How we use shit and crap certainly falls into the English is CRAZY category and calls into question the logic of having the word shit routinely banned on the airways and in print media while the use of crap has no such restriction. So let's take a Holy Shitters look at the two words.
Upon initial reflection you might be tempted to jump to the conclusion that the two words are totally synonymous. In many instances they are synonyms. After all you can take a shit or crap; you can give someone shit or crap; you can be full of shit or crap; and you can look like shit or crap. There are numerous synonymous uses of the two words.
But when we look a little deeper differences emerge. For instance a person can shoot craps but can't shoot shits. Conversely, a person can shoot the shit but can't shoot the crap. Someone can be a shit but it's impossible to be a crap. The shit can hit the fan but its not the case with crap. It is possible to be up shit's creek without a paddle but crap's creek can't be paddled out of with or without a paddle. More often than not you will hear a person being accused of talking shit rather than talking crap. On the other hand people tend to be guilty of buying more crap than shit.
What's really interesting is that shit tends to be used in association with both good and bad things whereas crap almost exclusively refers to bad only. It is common, for example, to hear someone say: “This is really good shit”. You never hear the phrase: “This is really good crap”. One also hears: “He really knows his shit”, referring to a person’s excellent knowledge in a certain area. You never hear: “He really knows his crap”. Isn’t it ironic, in light of this, that the powers that be choose to ban the use of the word shit on the airways, but have no problem with crap being spoken! Just a little bit crazy don't you think?
I've tried to think of all the differences between the two words. It is an ongoing process. I could use your help. Please add the ones you're aware of below. It will help in our effort to rehabilitate the word to its rightful and deserving position in our language and thoughts. It is time to end the unjustified restrictions currently imposed on its use. It is time to end the blatant discrimination of our constitutionally guaranteed right to have the freedom to practice our religion!
As my mother would say so eloquently: "Right now the situation is a bunch of crap!"
The Church of the Holy Shitters will post articles on our holy S.H.I.T. day ( So Happy It's Thursday)
Last week 5/9/2013: Holy Shit - A Closer Look
Next week 5/23/13: Shitting Denial
Hoping to add some humor, provoke thought, spark debate, deepen understanding, and shed some light on the fecal side.
Remember: "If we really want to straighten out all this crap we really need to think about shit." ( Shitbit by Poop John the First of the Church of the Holy Shitters)
Church of the Holy Shitters
A secular environmental religion, scientifically based, with a focus on the psychology of it all. Our ego is the culprit when it comes to dealing with climate change. We cannot save the planet. We can only save ourselves. Our current egotistical self-perception makes that prospect a dubious one at best. Meekness, humility and a realization that our shit does stink, guides us on our path to true sustainable living and climate equilibrium.
Cross posted at http://holyshitters.com/