A random thought on the oddities of the English language
Isn't it odd that we speak of 'losing' our virginity. It's not as if it's something that can be found again. I wonder what the terminology is in other languages. Think I must do some research!
Hmm. After brief online research, as far as I can tell all the major European languages speak of losing or taking virginity. That 'take' is also rather interesting. More research is required, I think. Unfortunately, the only Russian-speaker I know well enough to ask is also extremely shy, so I doubt I'd get an answer. Anyone know any other non-European languages?
'See, 'take' sort of makes sense to me, but then the opposite should be 'give', really. I suppose it was, once upon a time, when a woman's virginity was considered a precious 'gift' to her husband, or, depending on your religious beliefs, to her first lover, the goddess or some other being/deity/personification!. 'Take' at least can be understood in several ways, including 'to receive', but 'lose' seems rather unequivocal to me - gone, mislaid (no pun intended), unable to be relocated. Just odd. I wonder if there was a shift in the colloquial parlance at some point, and if so, when? 1960's, perhaps? Women's Lib, increase in extra-marital and pre-marital sex, not so much 'official' gift-giving... Yes, I am a nerd. This could keep me going for weeks!
Hmm. After brief online research, as far as I can tell all the major European languages speak of losing or taking virginity. That 'take' is also rather interesting. More research is required, I think. Unfortunately, the only Russian-speaker I know well enough to ask is also extremely shy, so I doubt I'd get an answer. Anyone know any other non-European languages?
ReplyDeleteinteresting question...
ReplyDeletei think "take" sounds even stranger than "losing". how bout "giving"?
'See, 'take' sort of makes sense to me, but then the opposite should be 'give', really. I suppose it was, once upon a time, when a woman's virginity was considered a precious 'gift' to her husband, or, depending on your religious beliefs, to her first lover, the goddess or some other being/deity/personification!. 'Take' at least can be understood in several ways, including 'to receive', but 'lose' seems rather unequivocal to me - gone, mislaid (no pun intended), unable to be relocated. Just odd. I wonder if there was a shift in the colloquial parlance at some point, and if so, when? 1960's, perhaps? Women's Lib, increase in extra-marital and pre-marital sex, not so much 'official' gift-giving...
ReplyDeleteYes, I am a nerd. This could keep me going for weeks!
How about 'share?' That sounds better to me. Like 'sharing' sex with you.
ReplyDelete