NationStates Jolt Archive

Why is the word "crap" acceptable on TV in America, but the word "shit" isn't?

Because shit is fucking evil.

Some words sound dirtier than others.

5th graders can say crap in front of their teachers.

Crap is considered an 'acceptable' swear word, shit is a stronger form of the same word and thusly is not acceptable.

Besides I seem to recall it being acceptable after a certain hour. Or maybe I'm just delusional...

But they're both swear words, and they both mean exactly the same thing. Who decided that one was somehow "worse" than the other?

You can say shit on american tv.

But they're both swear words, and they both mean exactly the same thing. Who decided that one was somehow "worse" than the other?
Who knows...or really cares for that matter? Who created the English language? Who created Latin? Who mutated a couple strands of DNA that eventually resulted in the Homo Sapien race?

But they're both swear words, and they both mean exactly the same thing. Who decided that one was somehow "worse" than the other?

The network censors.

5th graders can say crap in front of their teachers.
Most 5th grader are full of crap anyway.

Who knows...or really cares for that matter? Who created the English language? Who created Latin? Who mutated a couple strands of DNA that eventually resulted in the Homo Sapien race?
That's completely different - The English Language, Latin, and the Human Race were not decided upon by any one person or group of people. But the distinction in strength between "crap" and "shit" WAS thought up by one person/group, and I want to find out who.

Why? Oh, no reason. Just bored, I guess.

That's completely different - The English Language, Latin, and the Human Race were not decided upon by any one person or group of people. But the distinction in strength between "crap" and "shit" WAS thought up by one person/group, and I want to find out who.

Why? Oh, no reason. Just bored, I guess.


Nobody listens to poor Javea... :(

the real question is; why can you say dumbass, ass, stupid ass &c. but not asshole.

A cookie for the person that gets the right answer.

Why is the word "crap" acceptable on TV in America, but the word "shit" isn't?

Because the FCC says so.

the real question is; why can you say dumbass, ass, stupid ass &c. but not asshole.

A cookie for the person that gets the right answer.

Because asshole is a sexual term? Same reason you couldn't say "pussy" or "cock"?

That's my best guess.

Nobody listens to poor Javea... :(
Actually that's the FCC...

besides, you can go to Vegas and Shoot Craps... but try shooting shit... :rolleyes:

Edit: SHIT Sdaeriji you beat me to it. :D

Because asshole is a sexual term? Same reason you couldn't say "pussy" or "cock"?

That's my best guess.
You can't say pussy or cock? No wonder I had to pay that fine...

Its just because shit is a much stronger sounding word than crap.

You can't say pussy or cock? No wonder I had to pay that fine...

You can't say them in reference to the vagina or penis. But you can play the sexual innuendo game by talking about pussy(cats) or cock(rooster).

You can't say pussy or cock? No wonder I had to pay that fine...

Actually, you can say "fuck" now on American television becuase it has a sexual conotation...

I hate how you guys often bleep the God from god damnit. Thats stupid.

Same reason you couldn't say "pussy" or "cock"?


Ah, but it all depends how you say it: are they still running Are You Being Served? in the states? Mrs Slocum's pussy was a constant presence...

Its just because shit is a much stronger sounding word than crap.
"stronger sounding"? Explain this. In what way does it SOUND stronger?

Okay, I worded that wrongly. I know is was the FCC that decided it, but what I'm curious about is WHY they decided to allow crap and disallow shit.

(BTW, I don't live in America, so I don't know about most US TV shows, but I do know that certain shows at least (e.g. the Simpsons) will have the characters say crap but never shit.)

Ah, but it all depends how you say it: are they still running Are You Being Served? in the states? Mrs Slocum's pussy was a constant presence...

Never heard of Are You Being Served?, but you're right; it's all in the context. The FCC has some pretty complicated rules.

By the way, I've never (in all my incarnations) had a topic I've started on NS reach two pages before. :D

"stronger sounding"? Explain this. In what way does it SOUND stronger?

Okay, I worded that wrongly. I know is was the FCC that decided it, but what I'm curious about is WHY they decided to allow crap and disallow shit.

(BTW, I don't live in America, so I don't know about most US TV shows, but I do know that certain shows at least (e.g. the Simpsons) will have the characters say crap but never shit.)

Shit just sounds harsher... And besides, dont get all indignant when I tell you why its disallowed... I didnt make the rules.

Shit just sounds harsher... And besides, dont get all indignant when I tell you why its disallowed... I didnt make the rules.
I wasn't getting indignant (I know you can never tell tone of voice in text), I am simply curious as to why the distinction is made.

5th graders can say crap in front of their teachers.

Where is this? I'm in 8th grade and I can't say crap in front of my teachers without getting a referral...

And to the original question... Just a bunch of PC freaks that created the FCC.

Actually that's the FCC...

besides, you can go to Vegas and Shoot Craps... but try shooting shit... :rolleyes:

Edit: SHIT Sdaeriji you beat me to it. :D

Actually, it's up to the network censors to *interpret* the FCC's guidelines. ;) It's their necks on the line if something slips by.

Besides, shit *is* allowed. But if I remember correctly it's time sensitive (you can't say it when the kiddies are awake :D )

And at the vegas remark, I did more shooting the shit than shooting craps when I was last in vegas :p

Actually, it's up to the network censors to *interpret* the FCC's guidelines. ;) It's their necks on the line if something slips by.

Besides, shit *is* allowed. But if I remember correctly it's time sensitive (you can't say it when the kiddies are awake :D )

And at the vegas remark, I did more shooting the shit than shooting craps when I was last in vegas :p

You can actually say whatever you want and show whatever you want. The FCC can just fine the crap out of you if you violate their guidelines.

Or should I say "...fine the shit out of you...."

It's a cultural thing. The American culture has evolved to the point where shit seems worse than crap. There's no logical reason for it. It just evolved that way.

Just like giving the finger in America is just one finger pointed where the British use two fingers. It's based on the culture.

For example, did you know that the american gestures to come closer means go away in other parts of the globe?

You can actually say whatever you want and show whatever you want. The FCC can just fine the crap out of you if you violate their guidelines.

Or should I say "...fine the shit out of you...."

Yes, I'm sorry if I wasn't clear about that. That's what I was trying to express by the interpretation reference, and the censors being liable.

the real question is; why can you say dumbass, ass, stupid ass &c. but not asshole.

A cookie for the person that gets the right answer.
Does it have anything to do with the Democrat party's mascot?

Just like giving the finger in America is just one finger pointed where the British use two fingers. It's based on the culture.
Well, actually we can use one finger or two. We're just versatile that way. :p

Actually that's the FCC...

besides, you can go to Vegas and Shoot Craps... but try shooting shit... :rolleyes:

Edit: SHIT Sdaeriji you beat me to it. :D

Actually one morning after a night of heavy drinking...uhm...actually...I'm not going to tell that story.

Yes, I'm sorry if I wasn't clear about that. That's what I was trying to express by the interpretation reference, and the censors being liable.

I know. I was just elaborating. A lot of people don't know that there's nothing keeping the networks from having nudity and expletives on TV other than their bottom lines.

um.. i know you guys are talking and all, and it is quite interesting, but would someone tell me what you can do when you join a nation?

Shit sounds worse than crap. Smells worse, too.

That's completely different - The English Language, Latin, and the Human Race were not decided upon by any one person or group of people. But the distinction in strength between "crap" and "shit" WAS thought up by one person/group, and I want to find out who.

Why? Oh, no reason. Just bored, I guess.
the FCC (federal communications commission), an unelected body suprisingly enough. such a horrible horrible organization...

FCC :mp5: <-me

Does it have anything to do with the Democrat party's mascot?


Ooooh, you're getting warm.

Ooooh, you're getting warm.

Because the other ones refer to the animal and not the body part?

Because shit is fucking evil.
ROFLMAO! So do you take a rosary with you to the bathroom? :D

Because the other ones refer to the animal and not the body part?

You get the cookie.

It's coconut and cherry.

um.. i know you guys are talking and all, and it is quite interesting, but would someone tell me what you can do when you join a nation?
Yeah, except that you "grow" one, not join one. There are issues you are given which you may act upon or not. How you decide which way to bounce with the issues you're given determines what your nation becomes. Try it. You'll like it. :)

On a serious note:

The word "crap" comes from vulgar ("of the people") Latin via French, originally meaning "chaff' or "residue". It's due to this that one can complain about "all the crap on the floor" and such as that. In both the verbal and the biological sense, crap is literally residue.

The word "shit", as well as the German word "Scheiss", descend from an old Germanic word meaning "to defecate". Nothing to elaborate on, here...

The reasons one is "better" than the other lie in their origins: the one isn't wholly concerned with something considered indecent, while the other is, but just as important, when the Normans ruled England, words of Germanic origin, the words of the people, were looked down upon in preference to the more "sophisticated" Norman French.

Since I don't know the state of either word in the UK (I'm in NY), I don't know, but I'd assume that the reasons one or both are frowned upon here in the states have roots in the strict religious sects that founded many of the colonies, and their moral successors...

Yeah, except that you "grow" one, not join one. There are issues you are given which you may act upon or not. How you decide which way to bounce with the issues you're given determines what your nation becomes. Try it. You'll like it. :)
wrong thread?

Actually one morning after a night of heavy drinking...uhm...actually...I'm not going to tell that story.
Which reminds me ... ever fill a paper bag with crap, set it on someone's porch and light it? ( Honestly! Some of the things I did as a kid! Tsk! ) :D

Which reminds me ... ever fill a paper bag with crap, set it on someone's porch and light it? ( Honestly! Some of the things I did as a kid! Tsk! ) :D

:D No, did it work?

Most 5th grader are full of crap anyway.

Ha ha! Funny! No sarcasim in my tone, its really funny to me :p

Its just because shit is a much stronger sounding word than crap.
What if I sung it in a dainty little tune would that make it sound better.

*AHEM*

"MMMary had a little shit, little shit, la la little shit, MMMAry had a little shit and got kicked in the ****!"

How'd that go down for you?

But they're both swear words, and they both mean exactly the same thing. Who decided that one was somehow "worse" than the other?

wtf is a swear word and why are they bad? what did they do to anybody???

:D No, did it work?
LOL! Yes! The guy came running out of his front door to put out the fire, stomped all over the bag and had really messy shoes as a result! :D

Because asshole is a sexual term? Same reason you couldn't say "pussy" or "cock"?

That's my best guess.

i dont think asshole is a sexual term unless you enjoy sodomy

I hate how you guys often bleep the God from god damnit. Thats stupid.

god is a far more evil word then anything i can think of

LOL! Yes! The guy came running out of his front door to put out the fire, stomped all over the bag and had really messy shoes as a result! :D

hehe...You'd think people would know whats in the bag

As far as I know, there isnt much preventing people from swearing on TV. However, advertisers often refuse to by ads during shows that dont censor the language.

Which reminds me ... ever fill a paper bag with crap, set it on someone's porch and light it? ( Honestly! Some of the things I did as a kid! Tsk! ) :D

thats genius

LOL! Yes! The guy came running out of his front door to put out the fire, stomped all over the bag and had really messy shoes as a result! :D

You know what's better? When the guy sees the kids, goes and gets a shovel, scoops up the bag, and launches it at the kids like a catapault. Suddenly there's a bag of flaming poo flying at your head.

Why is the word "crap" acceptable on TV in America, but the word "shit" isn't?

Listen buddy, this is America, a lot of things don't make sense.

Yours is a prime example - who decided that shit is unacceptable, but crap is? For that matter, how in a country that prides itself on freedom someone can tell me that certain words like sh*t, f*ck, hell, etc. are evil or wrong, or any worse than feces, copulation and hades.

But if you really want to know why certian words here are completely unacceptable, I can explain.

*deep breath* hokay. IMHO -

Almost every swear word I can think of - Fu*k, sh*t, a*s, suck, hell, damn, c*ck, p*ssy etc. fall into one of three catagories -

1. Sexual connotation words
2. Bodily function/Body parts words
3. Negative Religious words (refs to Satan, taking lords name in vain, etc.)

The reason words from these catagories are considered "bad" words is because... da da duuuhhh - the teachings of the Christian Church. Since the times of Augustin, the Christian church has held sexuality as an ultimate evil. The church also has taught, along the same lines, that the human body is base and profane. That covers 1 and 2. As to 3, that is self explainatory, because sex may be bad, but the connotations attached to satanic words and taking the lords name in vain were once very negative. To be fair, both Judaism and Islam also do the same thing. This contrasts with societies shaped by Eastern religions, where none of the above seemed to seriously apply - prime example: I lived in Japan for 2 years, and I can remember full frontal nudity both in anime cartoons and on primetime tv, and don't get me started on the nudity and sexual themes in some anime comics sold in Japan.

Words to describe 1 - 3 still exist and are semi-acceptable, as it is neccesary to describe all of them in language. Many acceptable terms for the above are scientific (procreation/copulation for sex for ex.), acceptable I suppose because in their scientificness they "serilize" the word, removine some of the emotions that might come with uttering the stronger, more colloquial version. As to crap v. shit, I believe, *may be wrong* that crap is a relatively neo-logism, whereas shit comes from an old english word Shyte, and has therefore had it's negative connotation much longer than crap. Crap may have even been an attempt to create a "softer" word for shit, but again, I don't hold a degree in lingusitics.

Restrictions on saying any of the above, I've noticed are very strict in the US compared to other nations. Censorship here can range from noticable to Hitleriffic when it comes to catagory numbers 1 and 2. Catagory number three is less important, but still saying hell is considered offensive, as is damn. This is because of the strength of religion in America. Since the first colonizers people with strong, stringent religious beliefs have lived in america. From the puritans through the great revivals through the Civil war to the modern day, there has been a strong religous contingent in America (just look at the last election. Nothing like a good left v right battle to bring out every fundamentalist). Thus, while other nations - many in Europe for example (religion seems to play less and less of a role in the lives of Europeans) - have been loosening censorship, nations like America, and many in the Middle East, still maintain high levels of censorship.

I hope my thoughts here helped you understand. I hope they were even on topic... in retrospect i may have had theories I that were semi on topic that I threw down there... oh well.

My final thought - If you live in a country with little to no censorship, please be grateful. Be grateful you don't have to bang your head against the wall screaming WHY!?! every time they the FCC, or the Minsitry of Truth as I call them, lets a "crap" through and bleets out a "shit."

Every time a thing is censored the corresponding though pattern is being erased - like some Orwellian nightmare come true. Never let them tell you what you can and cannot think, as free thought is the foundation of all Democracy and Freedom in the world.

The network censors.

...Who are a couple of frustrated old ladies stuck in a room forced to watch TV until their brains turn into putty. Then they're replaced by a couple more frustrated old ladies...(repeat as needed)...