Topic: "HORNY"
Those of you Hearing folks just starting out learning ASL will likely think I'm
being rude discussing "horny" so openly. Before you judge me I ask you to
reflect on (think about) the fact that what may be "rude" in one culture may be
simply "amusing" in another culture. (Tip: Google: "define cheeky.")
In an online thread a person asked how to sign "horny" as in "I'm horny for
Halloween."
Someone responded and suggested using the sign "EXCITED."
My two cents worth:
Go ahead and sign HORNY.
The phrase "I'm horny for Halloween" is funny or "hip" (cool) in English because
you are stretching the meaning of the word "horny." You are requiring the
listener to make a mental leap to grasp your meaning.
The "stretching" of the meaning is what makes the phrase interesting.
Making mental leaps is fun.
If you just sign "excited" -- you are not stretching the meaning and it is not
as funny or interesting.
By "interpreting" the concept of "horny" to its actual meaning of "excited" you
take away the audience's opportunity to make that interpretation for themselves.
You made the mental leap for them You stole he fun of leaping and all your
audience or conversation partner got was the actual interpreted (boring)
meaning.
Scenario 1 in English: "I'm horny for Halloween!"
Response: What?!? Oh, I get it! Ha!
Scenario 2. In ASL: "IX-[me] EXCITED HALLOWEEN"
Response: "OH-I-SEE"
Why should English speakers get to stretch the meaning of the sign "horny" but
ASL signers have to water it down to just "excited"?
I say (sign) NAY! ASL signers unite! Rebel and be horny!
...er... I mean ... sign HORNY!
(When it is appropriately funny to do so and makes communication more
interesting for your audience.)
Notes:
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