Word Crimes

[SharriSCOTS]

This song is so funny. I don't really like this kind of music. But what Weird Al did was so funny. I played this for my boyfriend and he said it's a good commentary on our youth. I agree.

[MandatoryFun]

My dad (who used to HATE Weird Al) sent me a facebook message today telling me how much he liked Word Crimes. Cracks me up because I'll never forget him telling me to "turn that crap off" when I'd play Running With Scissors in my room when I was a kid.

[The Sporkman]

Interview with Jarrett Heather about the video:

http://www.sactownmag.com/Blog/2014/Elk ... vic-video/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[LovelySortsOfDeath]

[amzo39]

he's a nice boy

[Diva]

I sent the link to the video to my cousin(and Godmother) Eileen, who has a Ph.D. in English Literature and was on the faculty atGeorge Mason University before she went to seminary. She loved it. Now if Al could do a parody invoking exegesis of the book of Acts, I might finally convert her. ;-)

Cheers, Diva
who finally managed to work the word 'exegesis' in a forum post
(and who gets cheap thrills from geeky vocabulary challenges)

[TMBJon]

I did notice from the first listen that he said spastic at the end. Even though it's not offensive in the US, it's a highly derogatory word for mentally challenged person in the UK and Australia (right?). I was surprised Al said it, and subsequently got away with it, but then I heard some rumblings that people were upset with Al about it? What happened there?

[Taniman]

I've seen a few people on tumblr offended by the song/video because they are English majors and see it as bullying.

[Grom]

it's a highly derogatory word for mentally challenged person in the UK and Australia (right?)

Correct. It's a very common playground insult, but you don't really hear it much in the "real world". I was a little taken aback by Al using it in the show - more surprised than offended - especially because I didn't know it's really known in America at all.

I was surprised Al said it, and subsequently got away with it, but then I heard some rumblings that people were upset with Al about it? What happened there?

I, too, was surprised by the tweet, I hadn't heard any news about the usage of "spastic" actually upsetting people.

[mellow weasel]

I, too, was surprised by the tweet, I hadn't heard any news about the usage of "spastic" actually upsetting people.

I've seen some dissatisfied posts on tumbl before Al's tweet. Before that I understood "spastic" literally - as someone having muscle spasms and therefore unable too coordinate movements (like hitting wrong keys on keyboard while writing).