June 21, 2001
8.14 seconds.
That was the average amount of time, assuming the show was 22 minutes long, between instances of the word "shit" on the season premiere of South Park last night. Right around usage number 40, it ceased to be funny. Well, except for the old guy's "ah, shit" in the library with the dusty old book.
Which, from what I can tell, proved their point: The only reason "shit" is a big deal at all is because there's a taboo associated with it. And we need that taboo, for the word to keep its utility. Basically, if "shit" becomes commonplace, what will become the standard for stubbing your toe? We need naughty words, simply because they're naughty.
Of course, I may just be full of shit.
