AIBU about the word ‘horrid’

[VivienneHolt]

I’ve seen this on about 4 different threads in the last couple of days. AIBU that it gives me the rage?

Terry Pratchett said it best in the Hogfather:

‘That’s horrid’.

Horrible, thought Susan. The word is “horrible.” “Horrid” is a childish word selected to impress nearby males with one’s fragility, if I’m any judge. She knew it was unkind and counter-productive of her to think like that. She also knew it was probably an accurate observation, which only made it worse.

I don’t think I’ve ever encountered it in the real world save for in some of Enid Blyton’s more saccharine efforts, but suddenly it seems it’s invading mumsnet. It’s so twee and prim! It’s one of those words that immediately changes my whole perception of the post, regardless of what else it says.

Am I unreasonable to have such a visceral reaction?

What other words give people instant rage?

^ thats a genuinely good point. Terry Pratchett had a flawless, evocative and unusual grasp of language which made his books incredibly refreshing. Often overlooked because they were prolific and comedic, they are nonetheless shining evidence of a man who really knew the way linguistic gymnastics works, and was able to get the best from it.

I like horrid and beastly, BECAUSE they're old-fashioned and twee. I also like ghastly for the same reason. Can't imagine using them in all seriousness.

Yes you hear "vile" on MN all the time. Can refer to anything from "the very embodiment of evil from the bowels of the earth" to "someone I don't agree with".

And Terry Pratchett was a linguistics genius and I say that as someone with a degree in linguistics.

I use horrid, beastly, grim and supper. ...

I like gusset , a wonderful word.

YANBU. ‘Horrid’ is cringeworthy.

I feel similarly about ‘cross’: ‘the neighbour refused to take in my parcel and it made me feel very cross’, it’s so retro and 1950s and sets my teeth on edge, like the writer is trying to seem a bit twee and prim and proper.

I like horrid and beastly, BECAUSE they're old-fashioned and twee. I also like ghastly for the same reason. Can't imagine using them in all seriousness.

There is a time and a place for deliberate ironic use!

I love the word horrid. I also like poorly and tummy and various others like ghastly and now that alligator has reminded me, I'm going to start using beastly too.

I'll tell you what does give me a face full of rage and froth coming out of my mouth, every bloody person using the word 'wee'. My wee boy, I've got a wee problem, I'm going out for a wee drink etc. If you're not Scottish then stfu

I like horrid and beastly, BECAUSE they're old-fashioned and twee. I also like ghastly for the same reason. Can't imagine using them in all seriousness.

Ghastly is a fantastic word! Ghastly!

Also ‘nourish’. Or the dreaded phrase so loved by fat activists: ‘nourish your tummy’. Makes me feel sick.

"Horrid" is one step below "ghastly". Maybe these things go in cycles.

the word peckish drives me crazy !

I also use ghastly , and cross.
I am ancient though.

"horrid" and "horrible" may be further apart than we think ...
Latin: "horridus" = "bristly", "horribilus" = "awesome"

Horrid is very Enid Blyton to my ears. I couldn't use it without doing an impression of one of the Famous Five.

Haha, I know what you mean. 😂

However, I like the word 'cross', and 'supper' for me means a snack before going to bed.

'succulent' makes me feel pretty queasy for some reason.

Genuine (non-goady) question for the tummy haters - what word do you use - particularly if referring to someone elses? Abdomen can seem too medical, stomach anatomically incorrect, belly potentially offensive...

@VivienneHolt

Agreed. See also “poorly”, “sore” and “tummy”. And especially all or any of those used in combination in the same sentence
I picked up DD from school yesterday and her best friends mum said “I heard DD was at home yesterday with a poorly tummy”😊😊

THIS THREAD!!!

I despise horrid, cross and huzzah

A girl I knew in school regularly used horrid and huzzah and I could never articulate just WHY it made me shudder

and poorly!

Poorly sick is the worst. Now that is horrid

We use sorely so you must hate that OP!

Supper
Meh
Cheeky/sneaky/treat/dirty/naughty/family sized/grab bag/sharing bag (when attached to food and drink)
Pulled instead of shredded.
Horrid is sometimes just perfect I think. Ups the ante.
Titivate/yummy mummy
Dress/stage for house/room
Accent (colour)
Feature (wall).
Must stop I am enjoying the rage far too much !

I like horrid and I love ghastly - don't get enough chances to use them though, the swear words always seem to come out first!
Poorly makes me think of my Scottish granny who pronounced it poo-wer-ly...

I didn't realise until a few years ago that 'tummy' was a childish alternative to stomach. I did feel rather foolish.

Horrid, Mummy, Pudding all make me cringe.