为什么发明贬义词？ 第1页

沃兹基硕德先生走在街上，有个人拉住了他。
“世上为什么有贬义词呢？”
先生反问他：“你看见旁边的长椅了吗？世界上为什么有长椅呢？”
“因为有人要坐下。”
“那你看见街上的汽车了吗？世界上为什么有汽车呢？”
“因为有人要出行？”
“那，世界上为什么有垃圾桶呢？”
“因为世上有垃圾啊！”
先生满意地点了点头：“没错，这就是为什么要发明贬义词。”

——节选自《论中指的必要性》，第三章，《中指作为手指之外的用途》，第二节，《在使用中指之前的其他表达方法：贬义词，咒骂和白眼；从冷静到暴怒》

"Sir Humphrey, I do have a rather simple question to put to you."
"What is it, Bernard?"
"You see, language influences our ways of thinking, right? Being a social constructive tool, its extensiveness of lexicon and commonly accepted ways of reference offers our minds ways to collect our thoughts."
"Yes, Bernard?"
"While, I was just thinking, if one remove or have all these most negative words and phrases undone, might it just... ..."
"I rather hope not."
"Why?"
"Then I would not have a way to share with you my thoughts on what you just said."
"Excuse me?"
"You have a kind face, and an innocent mind... ...have you considered a career as a politician?"