Mamma Loves BAD Words

Apparently the four year-old set has a new insult--or at least my four year-old does. And what is this dreaded word? Parents block your childrens' ears... members of the clergy read no further...the insult de jour is...

Toothpicker

Yes, toothpicker. We don't know what it is. We don't know why it's so bad but when we asked our 4 year-old what it meant he replied quite emphatically that it means he doesn't like that person. So you can imagine how devastated he was when his older brother referred to him as such during normal sibling bickering. Heaving sobs, snot running everywhere and there I was--trying not to laugh. Poor little guy was having a seriously sensitive moment and I couldn't keep a straight face.

My language has improved dramatically over the past few years (my brother even noticed recently) but I'm still pretty bad. My children have certainly heard a few choice phrases from time to time. But toothpicker? They didn't learn that from me!

I must say it is descriptive. Reminds me of mouth-breather. Now it may not garner a PG rating, but I think it's great. Mr. 4 recovered and never sensed Mamma's grin as she comforted his little hurt feelings. How do I know? Because two hours later he was slinging the barb right back at his big brother.

Ah toothpicker...if only this is where it would stop.