To say the word “boobs” in front of prudish SIL

[Sloan878787]

BIL/SIL’s with MIL. We had a nice festive catchup with them and SIL’s sister. SIL comes from a very prudish family and at one point I used the word “boobs” whilst talking about lingerie and she gasped and chuckled in a joky way. Thought nothing more of it until this Thursday.

Thursday just gone MIL was telling me that when SIL/BIL were round theirs the other day she mentioned she was shocked that I used the word “boobs” in company and she personally would have used “breasts or bosoms” instead.

I thought it was bloody pathetic that over a fortnight later she was gossiping about the fact I’d uttered “boobs” and not “breasts/bosoms”. I didn’t even think “boobs” was vulgar to be honest, just informal and casual. She’s such a wet lettuce and a prude!! Should I really have said “breasts or bosoms” or is she being pathetic??

'Boobs' is completely inoffensive in most circle's but generally I've had no need to talk about breasts or lingerie with my in laws and definitely not my inlaws relations. How did the full conversation go? Not sure why your MIL stirred the pot either. Think there is more to this.

That's just what I thought

Boobs is fine although we like breasticles or devils dumplings

Babylons.

Bristols (now that's really 1970's)

I really don’t like the word breasts because it reminds me of chicken. Breasts is great in a medical scenario but otherwise is a bit gross.

Boobs, meanwhile, is great. It’s cute, fun and the actual word sort of looks like them. It’s just the grown up word for boobies.

Mothers (or muvvers in the broad Bristol accent it was shouted at me in).

I feel like only women like Lady Sybil Vimes have bosoms.

Just stick to bust, OP. Feels a bit statuesque but surely she can't object to that?

@PurplePositivity You make a good point, maybe she's actually Lady Whiteadder?

May I proffer ‘wabs’ and ‘devil’s dumplings’ ?

Admit it OP. You only started this thread so people would come up with alternative humorous/offensive to SIL suggestions for what you call them next time.

I will add mine to the mix: Wangers. Enjoy.

Bristols !

(Cockney rhyming slang. )

Does your SIL live in 1952? How would "breasty dumplings" go down do you think? 😁

Try whammers next time, see how she likes that

Next time call them bangers

It does look like them. B=top view oo=front view b= side view 😉

Using bosoms (especially as a plural) is quite weird. Who even says that?

Did you not just laugh at MIL when she raised this heinous word choice and ask why on earth she and her daughter were being so weird and uptight?

She’s batty. I’d see how many synonyms for boob you can work through in 2024 and rate her reaction.

I'm in stitches at the idea of anyone under the age of 90 using the word 'bosoms'

I'd refer to them as ladybags from now on, OP.

You could also branch out into man boobs too, for added emphasis? Why be sexist?

Bristols? I don't geddit, but I like it.

Bristol Cities. In cockney rhyming slang you only say the first bit that doesn't rhyme.

Here is a list of some stupidly archaic ways of referring to body parts: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/58752/30-old-and-useful-slang-names-parts-body

Do start talking about having issues with your trillions around SIL.

You should play “SIL Bingo”

get in as many words as you can before she cries/leaves 😆 my suggestions are:

tittys
minge
flaps
bondage with Jim from down the road

you should get the whole family in on it

I don't think it matters what you said OP, it could have been anything, she sounds as though she is just looking for something to have a dig at you. Boobs is totally inoffensive and normal and it's certainly inappropriate to be gossiping about and bringing up weeks later. I can't think of ever hearing the word 'bosom' IRL and probably only heard 'breasts' in relation to breast examination or cancer. She sounds a bit odd - is she Hyacinth Bucket? I'd ignore her pettiness but, as MIL has brought up this conversation with you, I would discuss SIL/BIL's overreaction with her ie put her straight.