We did last night what we do most every Wednesday night: we drove our two oldest children to Awana. And as we were driving along, we had this unexpected conversation:
A.: I’m cold!
E.: I’m freezing!
Me: I’m frigid.
Daddy {feeling silly}: I’m a donkey!
E.: You’re an ass!
It was at this point that all of time stopped. My husband was flabbergasted, and I was doing all I could to control what had the makings of uncontrollable laughter. Si looked at me with questioning eyes, but I had to look away or I would have burst.
Si decides to take the scientific route, and try again to see what will happen:
Si {a little quieter than the first time}: I’m a donkey.
E.: You’re an ass!
Hmmm…
Si decides in favor of one final attempt:
Si: Donkey.
A. {in her best four-year-old voice}: Ass!
5 Comments
Rachel,
I pulled him aside the next day and told him that no one really uses the word “ass” for donkey anymore (he knows we read old books), and so if he wants people to know what he is talking about when he speaks with them, he needs to use the actual word “donkey.” I did it this way because this particular child would be very tempted if I told him it is a “bad” word. And really, it isn’t…only an improperly used one. 🙂
hahahaha Did you ever manage to clarify to your children that most people today don’t use that word the same way?
Hahahahahahahahaha! WOW! Gosh I miss you all. Especially E 🙂
*smile* It reminds me of “duck season, wabbit season, duck season, wabbit season, wabbit season, duck season.” I hope you know what I’m talking about or I’m going to feel like a real dope.
It should be noted that my children’s terminology harkens to their reading of classic fairy tales, not the modern usage as an insult. In other words, I was quoting Shrek; my son was quoting Aesop.