I was taught, both at Primary and Secondary School , to eschew the use of the word Nice which was lazy and to seek a more precise/appropriate descriptive adjective. Consequently, every use of the word on Gransnet Forums, leaps out at me and makes my hackles rise. The only time I use the word is sarcastically, as in 'That was nice of her' when in fact is was rude, upsetting, or belittling.
I've noticed that our highly-educated PM is very fond of the adjective 'fantastic' , as in 'people getting off benefits and finding a 'fantastic job'. As if!
Yes, you're right Delilah, nice was a word with negative undertones in old French as are many words with the prefix ne or ni. I believe it meant stupid or silly.
Having been reminded of not using the word nice, at School I dont think I use it often, but one thing with the word nice which makes me shudder is the American use "have a nice day".
I'm o.k. with "nice' - even though sometimes used in a derogatory way. Driven to distraction by the constant use of "Wow", "Awesome" and "Amazing", though, to respond to the most banal of comments. Good example of this - an average response by Prince Harry.
I don’t know why some of you feel that you have to defend and make excuses for saying nice. It’s a word that is used a lot in the 50s old films it would have been ‘really nice to meet you’ or ‘he’s terribly nice ‘ I like it better then cool.
We use it often in memory of a lovely old northern friend of ours, long since departed who frequently used it. (Notice I had to use the word frequently instead of often so as not to repeat myself).
I cannot remember being told not to use the ‘N’ word. But as I am dyslexic, maybe it went right over my head.
I do remember that you should not start a sentence with ‘But’, but it seems common practice now, so I give in.
I was taught the same thing, 'nice is not nice'. Doesn't mean I believed it! If I want to use the word, I will.
It comes into the same categoray as being told some foods are unhealthy. No food is unhealthy unless of course it is rotten or one has a sever allergy to it. Nor is there any reason be afraid or feel guilty about eating anything just because someone says you should be. The good health, or lack thereof is in the way food is used.
However, I will not use the word 'stunning' in place of 'nice'. It's acceptable in context (Home Kill, vet, fishing and other physical attack) but as far as I am aware, someone on Facebook posting a pretty photo has never actually stunned anyone.
Callistemon I had a dear great-aunt who, when caught up in the debate as to whether the biscuits were named for their pleasant taste or the area in France, declare she was going to call them Nickers from then on.
I have just realised that the underlying taste is coconut. They were always left at the bottom of the tin when we were children. I don't know why mum bought them, perhaps because she had been to Nice!!