Mancunian

I'm happy to help any fellow member, if I can help I will.

This is an interesting piece on the use of the terms fag and faggot and their use as primarily derogative terms towards gay men. These terms were mainly used in North America and have now become commonly used in many English-speaking countries. But if you look at the words and their history you will see that their use was very different. Fag in UK English was used as a slang term for a cigarette, and although to a lesser extent, it is still used in that context by many today in the UK. It also can refer to underclassmen in public schools who are used to perform menial duties for upperclassmen. Those duties may include cleaning, running errands etc. This leads to the term fagging, a word used to broadly describe the duties the fag performs. Faggot is a bunch of sticks used to help light a fire, you could use a full or half faggot to achieve this. Faggot is also a popular food item made from pork and various organs from a pig, they are usually served in an onion gravy and are quite tasty but may be considered an acquired taste due to their ingredients. The American usage and meaning appear to have taken over from the original usage of the words. Many authors tend to shy away from their usage for this reason. I think that its usage in stories should be considered in context to the story, its setting in time and location have a great bearing on this. When writing any story it should be told as authentically as possible and any words or phrasing should be used as accurately as possible and used in context. As an author from the UK if I use the phrase 'smoking a fag' I'm probably not referring to killing a gay man, in the UK it would mean smoking a cigarette. Used in their correct way the words fag, faggot, and fagging have different meanings and should be used to provide authenticity to a story regardless of the context or meaning. The authenticity of a story and how well it is written will attract the readers, not its use or lack of profanity.

You can't get more maladjusted than Bart Simpson, lol

Things are good thanks Terry, I'm doggy-sitting this weekend while my friend goes for a well-deserved break.

Aloha Albert Hello B-man I hope you're both having good weather to enjoy, we're having a heatwave here in the UK, it's due to end soon.

Hiya everyone

I never guess at these because I'm useless at guessing, but I do enjoy getting to know more about other authors. I've read a lot of Graeme's stories and enjoyed them, I'll have to check out those I haven't read.

I'm definitely not in that category, I don't spend my time wishing harm on other people or defenceless creatures and a little white lie is not the Drewth.

Okay, I told a little white lie lol

But I'm sweet and innocent

Brother-in-law, you will see this and other similar abbreviations used on GA

Thanks @astone2292 for another great AAA and thank you @Headstall for writing such great stories about the old Wild West. For anyone who hasn't read Headstall's stories, I can only say you are missing out on a great reading treat, go read them you won't be disappointed. The only problem with Bearpaw Mondays is that they will come to an end, so I ask you my friend please don't keep us waiting too long for another instalment of The Old Wild West.

It's waaaay past my bedtime, I'll catch up later in the day

I think that you may find a way

I hope it doesn't put you off going, you deserve to have a good time and relax.

That's a bummer, but how are you managing and are taking something for the pain?

Hi B, is it something I said that you're going, lol ~G'night B, have a good rest.

The ministry of Drewth is attention seeking again, which means it's an SOS day [same old shit day]

If you are going to manipulate my words I will manipulate yours. Now shove your nukes where the sun don't shine

I corrected your post Dog Emperor

I don't need to say anything, your posts say it all.

We were ready wearing our stetsons and chaps, lol

I want to go to Bearpaw, it feels so real. I can picture Lucas' quickly erected cabin when I close my eyes and feel the homeliness. These guys have to get closer, emotionally I mean, it seems like they were meant to meet. With a story this well written I won't be reading about them working on the house or land, I'll be there with them and watching them. Another great chapter that leaves me hungry for more. Thank you Gary for your hard work and the extra-long chapter, I'm enjoying it.

A Labour Party that at times is more Conservative than the Conservative Party, they are both a joke and make silly noises, lol.

But we do have Bank Holidays. The last one was a week ago today, but we do have to wait until Christmas for the next one.