Gransnet forums

AIBU

Slang words which make me cringe ?

(129 Posts)
Corryanna Sat 26-Jun-21 18:18:24

My husband thinks I’m being a bit silly over this, but why can’t the BBC, ITV and everywhere else talking about the vaccination, call the injection the vaccination, or double vaccination ? Instead they call it the JAB!!!! It drives me mad every time I hear it. Honestly, “double jabbed” for pity’s sake! Anyone with me on that one?

B9exchange Sat 26-Jun-21 18:33:54

Vaccination comes from the latin vacca, meaning a cow. At one time vaccinations were limited to innoculations against smallpox using the weaker cowpox virus, hence the name. The word vaccine and vaccination has now come to mean any injection to encourage the body to develop immunity to a disease.

Everything has to be abbreviated as no one seems to like long words any more! Jab, or in some parts of the UK, jag, has now become part of the language. In a sense I am with you, but I doubt you will receive much support, even if jab actually only refers to the piercing of the skin with the hollow needle before the actual injection takes place.

B9exchange Sat 26-Jun-21 18:35:52

BTW there is another thread on this! www.gransnet.com/forums/chat/1297660-Jab-or-Jag

Baggs Sat 26-Jun-21 18:47:36

Jab (or jag) is a nice short word. Or even a horrible short word. But the point is, it is short. That's why it's used.

Reminds me of something I was reading at work the other day that talked about facilitating something. What's wrong with the simpler word "helping", I wondered?

Vaccination is all very well from the Latin word for cow but jab (or jag) are equal in terms of meaning.

So I tend to agree that letting its use "drive you mad" is silly.

Baggs Sat 26-Jun-21 18:48:34

Oops! Sorry, B9. I hadn't read your post first. ?

Baggs Sat 26-Jun-21 18:51:00

My argument in favour of short, simple words is because I support the idea of Plain English for getting meaning across in the simplest possible way.

More florid diction is fine in its place, but that place is limited.

Lucca Sat 26-Jun-21 18:54:22

I don’t care what it’s called I’m just delighted to have had it !

ElderlyPerson Sat 26-Jun-21 19:03:58

I don't like the word 'jab' either.

To me it does not mean the same as inoculation because to me a jab is a sudden forceful poke, not a careful insertion of the needle.

BlueBelle Sat 26-Jun-21 19:17:16

A jabs a jab bring it on Why get upset over a word

welbeck Sat 26-Jun-21 19:23:36

i can't see anything wrong with the word jab.
never heard of it as jag until on here.
that to me sounds more violent or painful, probably because i think of jagged edge, like a serrated knife.
i don't think jab/jag is slang, merely short informal terms.

Alegrias1 Sat 26-Jun-21 19:30:00

Jags has been what we call injections in Scotland for as long as I can remember. Probably longer.

You get your jags for measles.

You get your jags for going abroad.

Jaggy thistles. Jaggy jumpers. Caley Jags.

Like I said on the other thread... "Been for your jags?" is a bit more conversational than "and have you been inoculated yet?"

Elusivebutterfly Sat 26-Jun-21 19:40:23

I agree, I don't like the PM and BBC News etc. saying jab or double jabbed. Why can't they say fully vaccinated? We have been vaccinated, not jabbed.

Talullah Sat 26-Jun-21 19:44:54

A jag to me is a car.

A jab to me is a jab. Perfectly acceptable way of saying vaccination. As is jag if you're in Scotland. Or Scottish living in England. Or Wales. Or wherever. Or even English living in any part of the world.

I couldn't bring myself to worry about what word is used. However, judging by this post it appears I am overly concerned.

Corryanna Sat 26-Jun-21 19:52:43

Sorry I didn’t see the other thread earlier. My bad for not looking at all the topics!

LauraNorder Sat 26-Jun-21 20:00:14

I’m just very grateful to have been vaccinated, inoculated or jabbed. Call it what you want. I’m double jabbed and very happy about it.

hollysteers Sat 26-Jun-21 20:03:44

Don’t mind jab, but a close friend always talks about ‘having her din dins”
That makes me cringe, we are not six years of age!

greenlady102 Sat 26-Jun-21 20:05:01

nope. I don't care what they call it so long as they get it.

GillT57 Sat 26-Jun-21 20:10:02

I think jab is a rather childish word.

JaneJudge Sat 26-Jun-21 20:11:26

I suppose jab is better than prick

Jaxjacky Sat 26-Jun-21 20:22:17

JaneJudge ??, yes, I can be childish.
Not really bothered what it’s called really. Agree ‘din dins’ irritating, along with brekky, biccie, hubby and so on….

Hithere Sat 26-Jun-21 20:26:07

The word "pressie", what is wrong with present?

I know many people at the other side of the pond hate the word "awesome".

emmasnan Sat 26-Jun-21 20:29:33

I hate the word " gobsmacked".

PinkCakes Sat 26-Jun-21 20:31:15

I don't like:
hubby, brekkie, cossie, hols, pressie, cuppa, etc. I've got a friend who says all of them.....

I say "din-dins" to my cat grin

Lilypops Sat 26-Jun-21 20:34:27

Gotten. !!! Gifted why not say I was given ,

Hithere Sat 26-Jun-21 21:29:09

Cuppa too!