Macleans has an article on how the Roman Catholic churches in Quebec are using advertising that has heads turning.
The words, considered to be offensive in Quebec, are being posted in highly bold text on signs hanging outside the churches, or in bus shelter poster ads, and I am pretty sure they would show up in other places.
Some of the words being advertised with a dictionary explanation are Tabernacle, Sacrement, Hostie, Calisse, Sacristie, and Ciboire. (that I know of)
I personally think it is a great way for the church to get some attention with a legitimate angle of approach to advertising their wares, while educating on the meaning of their religious artifacts and words.
“There are a lot of people in our society who don’t even know what these words mean anymore,” said Rev. Jean Boyer, a Montreal priest who was visiting Notre-Dame Basilica on Sunday.
“We’re hoping once the shock passes, people will think more about the true meaning of the words. There are many young people who don’t even know that in old times this was blasphemy.”
It’s a uniquely Quebec problem for the church, says Monique Carmel, a linguist and professional translator.
I would have to disagree a bit with Monique Carmel on this one. Blasphemy is not unique to the French. In English, we have several blasphemous holdovers that people use all the time without realizing the religous context. Let’s start with some simple ones.
God Damn!! or God Damned!! – Pretty obvious.
Jesus H. Christ!! – Popular with those who think adding the H makes him officially a different Jesus Christ.
Geez..!! – cutting short from pronouncing the “..us Christ” – This is for those who are too lazy to say the three syllables or those who cut short when they realize what they are saying.
Gee!! – Another twist on Geez, or some say it is a derivative of God.
Egad!! – derivative of God. When people realized saying something more direct wasn’t very nice, they altered the wording somewhat. Sort of like when Dad used to say Shhhhh …. and then catch a glimpse of us kids and finish his word …… ute!!
Gadzooks!! – Another derivative of God. I am pretty sure I have heard this one in cartoons.
I’m probably just as guilty as most of using one or more of these now and then. But I thought I would do my part to educate those who may not be aware of what the words mean.
I would also like to make the bold prediction that these signs in Quebec will be the most stolen signs off bus shelters or bus advertising slots themselves by college kids looking for dorm room art.
(I hope I don’t get struck by lightning for typing all the words above.)