The Power of Everyday Language for Harm or for Good
Don’t say anything that will hurt others but only say what is helpful to make others meet their needs.
Then what you say will do good [give grace; be a gift] to those who listen to you.
~ Ephesians 4:29 (Expanded Bible)
Have you ever noticed how we use the most violent phrases to describe situations that have nothing to do with violence? “shoot the bull” “hit the fan” “bombshell” “magic bullet.” Do you ever use these phrases? Most of us do without even realizing what we are actually saying.
The use of such language is often automatic and habitual, so much so, that we no longer realize their original violent meanings. We unconsciously use violent words and phrases thinking they are harmless and inconsequential. This desensitization—perhaps even apathy—is part of the outcome of our overexposure to violence.
10 Violent Phrases Used in Everyday Conversations:
- When push comes to shove
- Get away with murder
- Punch line
- Shoot from the hip
- Twist your arm
- Take a shot at it
- Slap in the face
- Adding insult to injury
- Take a stab at it
- Roll with the punches
Language influences culture. Language is also contagious. It has the the ability to harm or heal with every sentence.
"Let’s stop spreading violence through language. Let’s pause and reframe the lazy metaphors into meaningful sentences that don’t keep normalizing violence."
For more suggestions on inclusive and nonviolent alternatives to commonly used words and phrases that can be harmful click on this link.
This blog post was adapted from an article by Christy Heiskala on LinkedIn