'Breasts' or 'Boobies'? Does language matter?

I'm offended by the cutesy or low class slang widely publicized (I "heart" boobies, save the ta-tas, etc) not because I am prudish or ashamed of my (now reconstructed) breasts. It offends me because it trivalizes CANCER. Because that is what we have had. A disease that kills thousands, maims thousands more, and is firmly entrenched on our landscape likely for decades more.

after 4 surgeries (a 5th in 4 weeks' time), six months' chemo, six weeks' radiation, and the trauma to my loved ones, you bet "cutesy" and "sassy" terms piss me off. Let the folks running those campaigns see what cancer really is - like sitting with an IV in your arm, waiting for your breast/boob/ta ta to get cut off - a mere 2 hours after sending your young children off to school.

I believe that WE are the only ones with the right to joke about the terms. WE are the ones traveled to Hell and back.....and with question marks on our futures.

Janyce

ps: AnnNYC: right on! I won't address that argument, because you've debated it beautifully.

It boils down to a respect thing. I'd run if the doctor came into the room to tell me I had titty cancer. A professional thing too, I guess. When I told my kids (in their late 20's) I didn't say Mommy has a boo boo on her titties. I guess it boils down to the maturity level of who is using the slang.

I have always disliked twee euphemisms in relation to breasts - even before I was diagnosed with BC.

The only one I use is "tits" but I expect that is a British thing. Cutesy wutesy names make me puke. Especially when used in relation to screening and raising cancer awareness. We live in a bizarre western society which has sexualised the breast to the point of cartoonery.

I'm pretty sure high school boys are "aware" of breasts!! This awareness thing is a crock. I knew I had breasts as I grew up....who of us didn't???

Norks?????? So totally using this term from now on... How funny. I say breast so as not to offend anyone. I do use the term BOOBS  but to my daughters it is usually "breasts".UNLESS my 16 yr old is wearing something too suggestive, and that's when I tell her to cover her "Dirty pillows"...The movie CARRIE.

Concerning the cute lil slogans......The kids in the schools wear the I Heart Boobies bracelets and they do it because they are wearing the word...instead of the fact that  BC is important to talk about. I don't care for them. (On kids)

Just another 2 cents, and we all know what an opinion is worth.  LOL

I'm a lot further out from diagnosis than most of you and a mom of adult children.  I have no problem with abbreviations, cute names, ta tas, boobs, second base (That is so original!).  In advertising, IMO, what ever catches the eye or ear, is what is used to make the product known.  I did teach my kids the proper name for All body parts, and I knew them well.  What we teach our kids is what matters. 

So, I have absolutely no problem with either proper names or cute names.  Raise the money, find a cure and please, everyone teach their kids the proper name of everything.

Wow, loved reading these posts...I guess I don't mind the nicknames in a relaxed private setting. But i cant imagine a co-worker asking me how my boobs or fun bags are doing?..yikes! I wonder if all those kids wearing the ta-ta and boobies bracelets are doing it for the right reason or just to be "cool" because they can get away with it now. I don't consider myself old or a prude but I would certainly make sure that my children understood what these terms are really suppose to support and can explain why they are wearing it before they leave the house. If they want to really support a friend or family member then how can blast it but they need to understand its not a fashion accessory. As far as the advertising goes, i would not like a poster with boobs or ta-ta in my doctor office...no place for cuteness when you have been hacked open like a fish...just saying

Honestly, call the whatever you want.................Know what offends me...........THE FACT THAT NO ONE HAS FOUND EITHER A VACCINE OR A CURE............FIND A VACCINE, AND YOU FIND THE CURE..............Who gives a shit what they are called..............All the money that is spent, all the money that has been given toward Breast Cancer, and they can't find a cure..........what the hell are they spending this money on..........They friggin, walk, they run, they make posters, they do commercials.........Don't sing Happy Birthday to me on TV, spend the money you used on that friggin commercial to find a cure..........A CURE, not a fix a cure.

I prefer breasts.  Slang terms seem childish to me, but that's just my thoughts.  Jean

elmcity,

thanks for a laugh this morning.

fyi, the prostate is located in the abdomen, not the johnson..um.. I mean penis. 

but "feel you balls Friday" promoting testiculat cancer detection might start a riot.

I have one breast and one foob.  It's not that I'm offended by any of the slang terms used to describe breasts, I just think advertisers sue these  terms to sell products

IMHO

Never saw this thread before. I just use "breasts," as I did before the cancer came calling. I also agree with the person that the use of cutesy names in the campaigns, save the tatas etc., trivializes cancer. The whole pink thing.....well don't get me started. I'll save it for October.

Is there a "Save the Yambags!" poster or t-shirt for testicular cancer?   Or "I *heart* Shwing-Shwongs" products for penis cancer?  Maybe there should be!

Having said that, I don't mind the ta-tas or boobies terms or products as long as some of the profits fund research into prevention or a cure.  I think the cutesie names just make it more comfortable for some people, that's all.

E

"How do you feel about campangains and commentators that use 'cute' euphemisms that promote to promote awareness of breast cancer?"

  This is how I feel...I don't have a problem with any of the slangs, if a portion of the profit is going to research, treat, cure and/or prevent bc. 

 Now what portion of the profit from these items is supporting the cause?  That's what we should be worked up about.

There..I let it out   

I hate it. I find it disgusting. I don't know why we think we have to go along with this sexist and diminshing stuff. You can be just as aware of breast cancer and the need to do self breast exams, get mamograms, etc without falling into this stuff.  The whole pink awareness has not done what it was intended to do.  It has become a marketing tool.  40 to 50% of women who have insurance are still not getting their annual mamogram. 

Instead of making it "cute" talk about what it is a disease of the breast that needs more research etc. How much do you really think these companies are sending for research. Yes every bit helps but come on.

I know these are strong words but I cringe and hate it HATE IT everytime I see the cutesy slang. It minimizes what I and every other woman has had to go through with this hideous disease.

But with that being said I realize we all have our opinions and a right to them.

As a teacher in a public school system I teach seniors and believe me 17-18 year old boys that wear these bracelets are not thinking about the disease, they are trying to be cool and it's very disruptive to the classroom environment.  Our school policy is they are not allowed to wear them.