Depends in which context the word itself is used though the word is not offensive.
"The beauty of the countryside has been raped by excessive development...".
I have heard the word used like that and I don't have an issue with it - perhaps it is because the destruction of the countryside is so serious and reflects the damage and violence of rape itself? I think, like so many things with language, context is everything. I thought the 'my wallet has been raped' was trivial and didn't work as a phrase... 'ransacked' would be more appropriate as it conjures up images of robbery.
Just because someone uses this word doesnt mean that they are condoning or trivialising the actual act of rape.
People are too touchy nowadays its depressing
It can't be a coincidence that anyone I've ever come across using the word 'rape' in a casual way has been an absolute moron though.
I have heard the word used like that and I don't have an issue with it - perhaps it is because the destruction of the countryside is so serious and reflects the damage and violence of rape itself? I think, like so many things with language, context is everything. I thought the 'my wallet has been raped' was trivial and didn't work as a phrase... 'ransacked' would be more appropriate as it conjures up images of robbery.
At the same time neither should anyone have an issue with using the word rape when describing a sexual offence which took place as long as the offence actually was rape (penetrative sex by force).
It's a word which unfortunately has many different meanings, but most certainly is not an offensive word in itself.
7. to plunder (a place); despoil.
8. to seize, take, or carry off by force.
Yeah, but dictionary definitions reflect usage - all that says is that people have used it to mean that in the past, it's not a defence, really!
Obviously in the past the context was different - there's The Rape Of The Lock and all that - because, I think, that was the primary meaning. The sex offence didn't really get talked about much.
7. to plunder (a place); despoil.
8. to seize, take, or carry off by force.
The thing is though, in the original thread that spurred this one, a chap was complaining about the price of petrol... yet put the fuel in and paid up anyway.
No one forced him use the petrol station. I doubt a 6 ft 9, ex-SAS sergeant came out of the back of the shop with a lead bar in his hand to intimidate him.
It's a vulgar expression used quite often relating to computer/console gaming. Particularly multi-player stuff. I believe they use it to try and shock people maybe their parents or something but the reality is any grown-ups would probably just think "knob end." Anybody who has any respect for the female gender would not be throwing that word around in such as casual manner.
Obviously in the past the context was different - there's The Rape Of The Lock and all that - because, I think, that was the primary meaning. The sex offence didn't really get talked about much.
Well - "Rape" has been used with the "forced sexual intercourse" definition since Shakespearian time (predating "Rape of the Lock" by a couple of hundred years.)
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Welcome to DS
It also means - plunder, pillage, seize, carry off by force.
Ray Winstone got pilloried for his correct usage of it the other day when referring to the UK's tax regime.
Good point, since people who have been murdered aren't likely to get upset about it... because they're like um... dead.
I have heard the word used like that and I don't have an issue with it - perhaps it is because the destruction of the countryside is so serious and reflects the damage and violence of rape itself? I think, like so many things with language, context is everything. I thought the 'my wallet has been raped' was trivial and didn't work as a phrase... 'ransacked' would be more appropriate as it conjures up images of robbery.
(Totally off topic, sorry!)
That's subjective. I agree with him actually.
His usage in context of what he wanted to opine was correct.
It can't be a coincidence that anyone I've ever come across using the word 'rape' in a casual way has been an absolute moron though.
Arf!:D
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rape
7. to plunder (a place); despoil.
8. to seize, take, or carry off by force.
Your mean only mean murder victims are the ones touched by murder... What about family members and loved ones
It's a word which unfortunately has many different meanings, but most certainly is not an offensive word in itself.
Get real .. we all know exactly what it means and I find it offensive!
Obviously in the past the context was different - there's The Rape Of The Lock and all that - because, I think, that was the primary meaning. The sex offence didn't really get talked about much.
They weren't the ones murdered though.
A rape victim may still be alive...
The thing is though, in the original thread that spurred this one, a chap was complaining about the price of petrol... yet put the fuel in and paid up anyway.
No one forced him use the petrol station. I doubt a 6 ft 9, ex-SAS sergeant came out of the back of the shop with a lead bar in his hand to intimidate him.
Men get raped too, you know.
So what... People who have had a family member have every right to be upset
Doesn't really sound that cool does it?
Well - "Rape" has been used with the "forced sexual intercourse" definition since Shakespearian time (predating "Rape of the Lock" by a couple of hundred years.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rape_of_Lucrece
Yes I'm aware of that. I didn't want to write a dissertation to cover all possible angles.
Now you're just being stupid on purpose.
My.
God.
You mean the Rapesco pronounced as Rah-PES-co?