Is it wrong to use the term "sucks," as in "that sucks"? I'm really confused about this because my teachers and many of my friends use it.

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Is it wrong to use the term "sucks," as in "that sucks"? I'm really confused about this because my teachers and many of my friends use it.

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The origin (etymological source) of this word comes from fellatio—meaning oral sex (see http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=suck). Thus, this phrase actually refers to a sexual act. Unfortunately, crude and vulgar language has become common in our society today and many people don't know the background or meanings of the words they use.

When we examine the Bible, we find that God does not want us to use filthy language. Colossians 3:8 says, "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth." Because of this very clear instruction from God, we recommend people avoid using this term.

Comments

  • Polaris

    By the way, here is the FULL definition of the word from your link, not nice to cherry pick for your desire to prove your point, very poor teaching!

    suck (v.)

    Old English sucan "to suck," from a Proto-Germanic word of imitative origin (cognates: Old Saxon, Old High German sugan, Old Norse suga, Danish suge, Swedish suga, Middle Dutch sughen, Dutch zuigen, German saugen "to suck"), possibly from the same source as Latin sugere "to suck," succus "juice, sap;" Old Irish sugim, Welsh sugno "to suck;" see sup (v.2). As a noun from c. 1300.

    Meaning "do fellatio" is first recorded 1928. Slang sense of "be contemptible" first attested 1971 (the underlying notion is of fellatio). Related: Sucked; sucking. Suck eggs is from 1906. Suck hind tit "be inferior" is American English slang first recorded 1940.

    The old, old saying that the runt pig always sucks the hind teat is not so far wrong, as it quite approximates the condition that exists. ["The Chester White Journal," April 1921]

  • Polaris

    If you go back and also study "gosh" and "jesh" are also euphemisms for God and Jesus but they are everyday terms now that really do not hold their meaning. So suck is in it same course that it does not hold the meaning as it is used...compare it to ass in the Bible it is all in how it is used in a sentence. I mean why would I want anything to do with religion when it originally meant to 'bind up'. First Known Use of suck before the 12th century, in the meaning defined simply as to draw out. But I understand some Xians like sell fear.

    suck verb
    Definition of suck
    transitive verb
    1a : to draw (something, such as liquid) into the mouth through a suction force produced by movements of the lips and tongue sucked milk from his mother's breast
    2a : to draw by or as if by suction when a receding wave sucks the sand from under your feet
    intransitive verb
    1 : to draw something in by or as if by exerting a suction force especially
    2 : to make a sound or motion associated with or caused by suction his pipe sucked wetly flanks sucked in and out
    3 : to act in an obsequious manner when they want votes
    4 slang, sometimes vulgar : to be
    see more merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suck

  • pcason

    This term was being used while I was in high school, but it wasn't shortened like it is today, the whole term was used and it was a term used to describe an oral sex act. But even though it stated an "act", it was used, just like today, to let someone know you didn't like something. Just like a popular "s" word means bowl movement, but it's not usually used to describe a bowl movement. It's a tacky slang word that I feel Christians shouldn't use. You could use "that stinks" instead and not be tacky.

  • cjgennaro
    You also have to take into account the context in which the word is being used. If a person says that something "sucks"- meaning it is bad or unwanted- they are using "suck" in a negative connotation. They are obviously not referring to the same "suck" that a baby does breast feeding or that of sucking through a straw. They using the negative connotation of the sexual act. This is the point I believe was trying to be made.
  • Julie41
    The term sucks means to suck as in babies sucking bottles or sucking out of a straw. This is what the dictionary stated: verb Draw into the mouth by contracting the muscles of the lip and mouth to make a partial vacuum: "they suck mint juleps through straws". Noun An act of sucking something It seems to me if someone hears the word suck and it affects them to be sexually related then they may have a bigger issue because mothers breasts are sucked while breastfeeding, and there are many times when sucks is used that have no sexual connotations. Also, I'd like to know in what dictionary you found that stated that the word sucks means fellatio? Most people including myself, didn't even know that term til it was used here. How odd.
  • Polaris

    Um Julie, did you read the WHOLE article or just a fast google search to try and prove your point? The link is provided in the story from where it was taken from. I provided the whole definition and not what was just chose so the writer could be correct. Also you should have gave the entire definition of what you brought up "slang, sometimes vulgar : to be objectionable or inadequate"...you're welcome. :)

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