I dunno, it just seems weird how he was all squimish :redface: about saying fart to Miles. Did he think he would offend Miles? If so, then why did he say douche? Both are fairly mild scatagorical terms, right. I might even put douche a bit higher on the scale. Know what I mean? :confused:

Douche is actually French for shower......

I dunno, it just seems weird how he was all squimish :redface: about saying fart to Miles. Did he think he would offend Miles? If so, then why did he say douche? Both are fairly mild scatagorical terms, right. I might even put douche a bit higher on the scale. Know what I mean? :confused:

I thought the same thing.

Douche is actually French for shower......

true. for years i was confused as to why it was considered a bad word.:rolleyes:

I'd like to know why a dead body smells like a fart?

...cuz saying 'did you fart' would be extremely cheesy, so the writers avoided it.

A "douche" signifies cleanliness and hygiene, and evokes thoughts of the most delicate, and life-giving, part of the human anatomy.
A "fart" is stinky air that smells like feces, emanating from someone's anus.

Therefore.....
Hurley should have called Chang a "total fart", and asked Miles if he "didn't douche." Both would have been real gutbusters.

Maybe I'll rewrite last night's script "with some improvements", and send it back in time.

On the tv and radio in america they have to avoid saying stuff that are excreted from body
thats why you don't here people say the other word for crap out loud
look up words not allowed on radio or tv

On the tv and radio in america they have to avoid saying stuff that are excreted from body
thats why you don't here people say the other word for crap out loud
look up words not allowed on radio or tv

I don't really find either word that offensive in almost any context, so that's why I found it weird. Especially in a male-bonding kind of scene.

Mysticdark: I know you're probably right, but I can't find any specific mention of which words are on the censor's list(s). Obviously, it must only apply to regular network channels. I find it really hard to believe that "fart" is on that list in 2009. But like I say, you're probably right. Unbelieveable.

On the tv and radio in america they have to avoid saying stuff that are excreted from body
thats why you don't here people say the other word for crap out loud
look up words not allowed on radio or tv

There is not really a list of words, but there are some asinine regulations.

Here is the FCC's fact sheet on "Obscene, Indecent, and Profane Broadcasting". (http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/obscene.html)

It is crazy stuff. The whole thing is based on the premise that people have a right to watch TV and not be offended. Noone has that right. People choose to turn on the TV. Plenty of people (including myself) enjoy watching programming that is not laced with profanity, most of the time. But I also enjoy watching gritty programming once in a while. You know, stuff that actually reflects real life. If the entertainment industry were allowed to regulate content as they saw fit, the results wouldn't be a heck of a lot different than they are today, because the market will decide what it approves of, and that is who the industry creates product for. But, no....

The most perverse and ironic thing about the whole situation is that the FCC could give a flying frogleg about VIOLENCE in the media. Why in the world are words and sexuality offensive, but killing, raping, maiming, etc are not??? You can see tons of horriffic blood and guts on network t.v. any night of the week, but apparently the FCC gives the networks enough credit to let them schedule those types of shows on their own. It is a huge double-standard.

A "douche" signifies cleanliness and hygiene, and evokes thoughts of the most delicate, and life-giving, part of the human anatomy.


Only in America...or possibly the UK. Maybe Canada...

But it does literally mean just a plain old shower. I would be curious to find out what word they use in the French dubbing...

When someone dies the sphincter muscles relax and whatever is in there...comes out. So Hurley was probably literally smelling feces.

Mysticdark: I know you're probably right, but I can't find any specific mention of which words are on the censor's list(s). Obviously, it must only apply to regular network channels. I find it really hard to believe that "fart" is on that list in 2009. But like I say, you're probably right. Unbelieveable.

The thing is, there is not a list of words. It is completely subjective. Read the document I linked above and you could see how cloudy it really is. If enough grandmas got together they could get the FCC to fine a network for using the word "fanny". Its all about "community standards" and "artistic merit". Can you define the standards of YOUR community? Would anyone care to define "artistic merit"?? That is a profane phrase in itself, and has NO PLACE in government regulations!
100%
Only in America...or possibly the UK. Maybe Canada...

But it does literally mean just a plain old shower. I would be curious to find out what word they use in the French dubbing...

Yeah, I know you are right. I just omitted that fact for the sake of a little humor. Then I got all riled up about censorship! :mad:

There is not really a list of words, but there are some asinine regulations.

Here is the FCC's fact sheet on "Obscene, Indecent, and Profane Broadcasting". (http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/obscene.html)

It is crazy stuff. The whole thing is based on the premise that people have a right to watch TV and not be offended. Noone has that right. People choose to turn on the TV. Plenty of people (including myself) enjoy watching programming that is not laced with profanity, most of the time. But I also enjoy watching gritty programming once in a while. You know, stuff that actually reflects real life. If the entertainment industry were allowed to regulate content as they saw fit, the results wouldn't be a heck of a lot different than they are today, because the market will decide what it approves of, and that is who the industry creates product for. But, no....

The most perverse and ironic thing about the whole situation is that the FCC could give a flying frogleg about VIOLENCE in the media. Why in the world are words and sexuality offensive, but killing, raping, maiming, etc are not??? You can see tons of horriffic blood and guts on network t.v. any night of the week, but apparently the FCC gives the networks enough credit to let them schedule those types of shows on their own. It is a huge double-standard.
there certain words that FCC bans from radio though and each slip up gets you a fine
The F-word is probably the most expensive slip up
100%
I don't really find either word that offensive in almost any context, so that's why I found it weird. Especially in a male-bonding kind of scene.

Mysticdark: I know you're probably right, but I can't find any specific mention of which words are on the censor's list(s). Obviously, it must only apply to regular network channels. I find it really hard to believe that "fart" is on that list in 2009. But like I say, you're probably right. Unbelieveable.
maybe it was used for comedic purpose
it was funny how hurley asked miles if he dropped the bomb

I think it's because the word "fart" apparently has some filthy context.

And I'm not kidding about this. My grandmother thinks it's a really dirty word. She makes everyone around her say "poopsie."

Which I think is hilarious. Because it's somehow dirtier.

There is not really a list of words, but there are some asinine regulations.

Here is the FCC's fact sheet on "Obscene, Indecent, and Profane Broadcasting". (http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/obscene.html)

It is crazy stuff. The whole thing is based on the premise that people have a right to watch TV and not be offended. Noone has that right. People choose to turn on the TV. Plenty of people (including myself) enjoy watching programming that is not laced with profanity, most of the time. But I also enjoy watching gritty programming once in a while. You know, stuff that actually reflects real life. If the entertainment industry were allowed to regulate content as they saw fit, the results wouldn't be a heck of a lot different than they are today, because the market will decide what it approves of, and that is who the industry creates product for. But, no....

The most perverse and ironic thing about the whole situation is that the FCC could give a flying frogleg about VIOLENCE in the media. Why in the world are words and sexuality offensive, but killing, raping, maiming, etc are not??? You can see tons of horriffic blood and guts on network t.v. any night of the week, but apparently the FCC gives the networks enough credit to let them schedule those types of shows on their own. It is a huge double-standard.

Adults can't think for themselves and parents have no responsibility to teach their children about what is or is not acceptable within the family or within society. Didn't you know that?

Douche is actually French for shower......

I thought it was French for vaginal cleansing.

I think the writers omitted the word fart for the same reason they left out the word that should have followed douche (bag). To avoid going too far over the line.

Only on the fuselage can someone find a thread as pertinent as this.

Here's my shot at the logic:

When your in the car with your buddy and you suddenly smell something that, undoubtedly, everyone else in the car can smell, it is uncomfortable to sit through such an ordeal waiting for someone else to acknowledge it. Seeing that it was only Hurley and Miles, Hurley didn't fart, AND Hurley is the type of guy to bring that kind of situation up, I can see Hurley trying to spare Miles the embarrassment by beginning a sentence and expecting him to finish it. I'm sure everyone has been in this situation!

"Hey man...did you? You know..."

"What?"

"Come on dude. Just..come ON. YOU CUT THE CHEESE"

"What dude! No!"

Douche, on the other hand, I feel has entered the American lexicon long ago. It's used interchangeably now with other words like "idiot", "jerk", "dumbass", etc. Douche has more of a "bro" connotation thought. Like:

"Oh god, that guy in the pink polo with a flipped up collar is trying to hit on that girl. What a DOUCHE"

I dunno, it just seems weird how he was all squimish :redface: about saying fart to Miles. Did he think he would offend Miles? If so, then why did he say douche? Both are fairly mild scatagorical terms, right. I might even put douche a bit higher on the scale. Know what I mean? :confused:


did you mean "scatlogical"? if so, I think you dont fully understand the douche thing. Maybe I just read it wrong.

Anyways, I have a real hard time understanding how words can be deemed offensive. Words were invented to help us better understand and explain ourselves. Whenever someone gets offended by words, they usually want to ban other people from hearing those words instead of just turning off the television as to protect themselves. I think those people are douches and should suck a fart out of my ***.:biggrin:

This thread is funny! Well, excepting the FCC rules, which are quite baffling! I found that scene quite amusing, actually. And I like afterthegoldrush's interpretation of it. :)

I thought it was French for vaginal cleansing.


Heh.:biggrin:


Actually that would be douche vaginale.
The word douche' by itself means shower. Using the word 'bag' after it refers to the hygienic
instrument used in the procedure...

Or an extremely rude irritating human being...;)

In all seriousness, I think Hurley didn't say "fart" just because he was being polite. I don't believe the writers were afraid of "going to far". They just shot a kid in the chest, for crying out loud.

I personally found the use of "douche" offensive and hostile toward women. I wish Hurley (and the writers) hadn't used it. I know Hurley's not into deconstructing conventional phrases and didn't really mean anything by it, but still . . . it hurts.

Now if he says **edited** I'll REALLY be offended.

I personally found the use of "douche" offensive and hostile toward women. I wish Hurley (and the writers) hadn't used it. I know Hurley's not into deconstructing conventional phrases and didn't really mean anything by it, but still . . . it hurts.

Now if he says**edited** I'll REALLY be offended.

I agree. ***Mod edited***

I agree. ***Mod edited***

Indeed!

stellaknows has a theory on her LOST is a book thread (http://forum.thefuselage.com/showthread.php?t=109421) that Hurley is Winnie the Pooh. I'm not entirely onboard with her entire theory on the thread, but I do think it is worth noting that a lot of the characters have extensive parallels with fictional characters. One of her main pieces of evidence with Hurley is that the writers are always getting Hurley in situations where he is supposed to say "pooh" and then he is always interrupted or says something else instead. Also, the basketball hoop is pooh backwards (mirror imagery). She has a whole list of examples. Do we know for sure Hurley was avoiding saying "fart"? Or were the writers winking at us and he was avoiding saying "pooh"?

stellaknows has a theory on her LOST is a book thread (http://forum.thefuselage.com/showthread.php?t=109421) that Hurley is Winnie the Pooh. I'm not entirely onboard with her entire theory on the thread, but I do think it is worth noting that a lot of the characters have extensive parallels with fictional characters. One of her main pieces of evidence with Hurley is that the writers are always getting Hurley in situations where he is supposed to say "pooh" and then he is always interrupted or says something else instead. Also, the basketball hoop is pooh backwards (mirror imagery). She has a whole list of examples. Do we know for sure Hurley was avoiding saying "fart"? Or were the writers winking at us and he was avoiding saying "pooh"?

That reminds me of a funny experience I had several years ago, which is actually amazingly similar to last night's scene, yet I hadn't thought of it til now...
I was working with a guy who had warned all of us coworkers that he was incontinent due to a nerve injury he suffered when he broke his back playing football. One day we were out on a service call; I was driving the van and he was in the passenger seat. It was winter and the windows were rolled up... (You can see where this is headed.) Well all of a sudden I smelled something pretty offensive in the van. Seconds later, the guy says, "I think we should head back to the office. I just crapped my pants." He laughed, then I laughed, and we high-tailed it back to the shop.

True story, swear to god! Can't believe I didn't recall it until just now.

In all seriousness, I think Hurley didn't say "fart" just because he was being polite. I don't believe the writers were afraid of "going to far". They just shot a kid in the chest, for crying out loud.By going too far over the line, I meant in terms of ... it almost seems beneath the show to have such a juvenile word as fart used. The show is far above that imho.

I recently watched a Nightline episode that included an interview with Seth McFarlane. He said that of all the disgusting things they do on Family Guy, "poop" jokes are the one thing that's censored consistently. Which he finds hilarious, obviously, given what they get away with on the show. He also explained his frustration at not being able to allow a character to utter "Jesus Christ", BUT, if he includes an actual visual of Jesus as the phrase is being uttered, it's OK. They've taken this to extremes and shown Jesus in some fairly reprehensible situations, and they all made it past the censors. Go figure.

By going too far over the line, I meant in terms of ... it almost seems beneath the show to have such a juvenile word as fart used. The show is far above that imho.

It's one of those words that instantly brings you back to childhood isn't it? Maybe it's just a funny sounding word but I always titter a little like a 4 year old when I see or hear it (not when I smell it though:biggrin:)

It's one of those words that instantly brings you back to childhood isn't it? Maybe it's just a funny sounding word but I always titter a little like a 4 year old when I see or hear it (not when I smell it though:biggrin:)

Heh heh, you said "titter". :D

Indeed!

Wait--I can point out the offensiveness of THAT offensive word, but Avandelay can't say . . . the other one? So the one Avandalay quoted is more offensive than the one I quoted? I'm sorry, I find them BOTH equally offensive (and I presume that was the point Avandelay was making). They both refer to a class of people legally protected from discrimination (gender orientation and disability). (So does "douche," for that matter.)

Well, before this descends into insanity, I'll just point out that I do respect the moderation here on the Fuse and I appreciate the mods who do everything to keep the place open and accessible for us to have discussions about our favorite show. I'll be the first to admit that I pushed a couple of lightweight boundaries here just for the sake of irony in this thread. This is a special environment where we all agreed to keep in pretty PC... Gotta love it!

I dunno, it just seems weird how he was all squimish :redface: about saying fart to Miles. Did he think he would offend Miles? If so, then why did he say douche? Both are fairly mild scatagorical terms, right. I might even put douche a bit higher on the scale. Know what I mean? :confused: I was confused about this as well. They were talking about farts the other night on Dancing with the Stars and it starts an hour earlier than Lost! Stupid standards and practices. Frankly, I would rather hear fart than the other.

Douche is actually French for shower......
True, in France. In America, it connotes feminine cleansing...
100%
A "douche" signifies cleanliness and hygiene, and evokes thoughts of the most delicate, and life-giving, part of the human anatomy.
A "fart" is stinky air that smells like feces, emanating from someone's anus.

Therefore.....
Hurley should have called Chang a "total fart", and asked Miles if he "didn't douche." Both would have been real gutbusters.

Maybe I'll rewrite last night's script "with some improvements", and send it back in time.

:biglaugh: You do that, avandelay! :biglaugh: Let us know how that turns out! Oh...that cracks me up! :23wtp28_jpg:
100%
I think it's because the word "fart" apparently has some filthy context.

And I'm not kidding about this. My grandmother thinks it's a really dirty word. She makes everyone around her say "poopsie."

Which I think is hilarious. Because it's somehow dirtier.

Yeah, my grandmother insisted on "broke wind". :rolleyes:

In all seriousness, I think Hurley didn't say "fart" just because he was being polite. I don't believe the writers were afraid of "going to far". They just shot a kid in the chest, for crying out loud. True.

Well, before this descends into insanity, I'll just point out that I do respect the moderation here on the Fuse and I appreciate the mods who do everything to keep the place open and accessible for us to have discussions about our favorite show. I'll be the first to admit that I pushed a couple of lightweight boundaries here just for the sake of irony in this thread. This is a special environment where we all agreed to keep in pretty PC... Gotta love it!
This is the most fun thread for this episode if only because we're dissecting what's acceptable on TV and what's not.

I dunno, it just seems weird how he was all squimish :redface: about saying fart to Miles. Did he think he would offend Miles? If so, then why did he say douche? Both are fairly mild scatagorical terms, right. I might even put douche a bit higher on the scale. Know what I mean? :confused:

It's simple, really. Hurley didn't say "fart" because he was trying to beat around the bush and give Miles a chance to own up to it. The "douche" comment was directed at somebody else (Dr. Chang) so Hurley didn't feel the need to be polite.

Network Standards and Practices departments can have some of the most bizzare and arcane rules you can think of. I worked as a censor for TBS for a few years and some of the things that they would and wouldn't allow were really, really odd! (I did learn some pretty interesting words, though! :o )

When someone dies the sphincter muscles relax and whatever is in there...comes out. So Hurley was probably literally smelling feces.

T M I :biggrin:!

I've been known to "talk like a trucker" in my day, and I do use the f-word a lot when I'm stressed-- but I admit I do cringe a little when I hear the word 'douche.' Go figure.

I don't need to have these words scrubbed from my tv fare, though (as long as they're not discriminatory, that's where I would draw the line if it were up to me).

Great thread.

ari

It wouldn't have been as funny.

When someone dies the sphincter muscles relax and whatever is in there...comes out. So Hurley was probably literally smelling feces.

Maybe Hurley wasn't stammering over the word "fart". Maybe he was stammering over a polite way to ask Miles if he just pooped his pants?

There is not really a list of words, but there are some asinine regulations..... The most perverse and ironic thing about the whole situation is that the FCC could give a flying frogleg about VIOLENCE in the media. Why in the world are words and sexuality offensive, but killing, raping, maiming, etc are not??? You can see tons of horriffic blood and guts on network t.v. any night of the week, but apparently the FCC gives the networks enough credit to let them schedule those types of shows on their own. It is a huge double-standard.

I think it's because the powers that be have always used images to set an example, to keep people in their place. Meanwhile, certain well-chosen words tend to empower people. But I agree with the poster who said basically that the writers figured, "Okay, who farted?" was pretty lame. Too Cheech and Chong. Probably didn't want to draw a lawsuit with Cheech until they're done with him.

true. for years i was confused as to why it was considered a bad word.:rolleyes:

Words change meanings when they are borrowed from other languages. The French "demander", meaning "ask," entered English as "demand." Meanings even change between dialects, as in the British "lift" and the American "elevator."

True, in France. In America, it connotes feminine cleansing...

I didn't know but I just found out it also means 'shower' in Dutch. In fact a Dutch woman told me that in her language a 'douche bag' would be a 'beauty bag'!

Don't really know where to take that one.:biggrin:

And yes language changes over the years and when moving from one culture to another. Still haven't discovered how that word made that particular transition though..


:

I think it probably started out along the lines of one guy calling another guy a 'girlie man' or whatever which I guess in a roundabout way could be seen as an insult toward women. It doesn't have that meaning now though...

Maybe Hurley wasn't stammering over the word "fart". Maybe he was stammering over a polite way to ask Miles if he just pooped his pants?

So Hurley doesn't know the term shart? :D

Also, would a dead body start to stink that quickly? Though, according to Peter in Family Guy (when Quagmire was trying to fake his own death) when you die you void your bowels....

It seemed to add more emphasis on the scene for me, the fact that Hurley didn't say the word fart.

I think it probably started out along the lines of one guy calling another guy a 'girlie man' or whatever which I guess in a roundabout way could be seen as an insult toward women. It doesn't have that meaning now though...I think it started as a more vile term than that - quite derogaory towards women in fact. More along the lines of what it does rather than what it is (use your imagination).. I personally can't stand the term and I tend to curse like a sailor at times..

I think it started as a more vile term than that - quite derogaory towards women in fact. More along the lines of what it does rather than what it is (use your imagination).. I personally can't stand the term and I tend to curse like a sailor at times..


Actually it was coined in the 1960s and was used to indicate someone who was haughty or arrogant. It's always had the dual-gender connotation when used as such. Sorry...I know there is a contingent that is out to prove that TPTB are woman haters in every way, shape, and form, but you're barking up the wrong tree. With the eagerness some folks have to take offense, maybe we should have a safe house/non "hostile" message section just for them lol.

Perhaps this will clarify: http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Image:Prodouchebag.jpg

This is the greatest thread ever. Before this episode of Lost, I had never even heard of anyone being called a douche or douche bag in my entire life. Now I know what it means in French, Dutch and English. I know how to use it appropriately as an insult, ***Mod edited***

elfdream >
Still haven't discovered how that word made that particular transition though.


The French word is most commonly used to mean a shower as we all know it, but it also means any kind of jet of water. So, when French women started, well, that cleaning practice, they used that word. In England the practice was adopted to a lesser degree and the French word was maintained. As was the case with bidet, for example.

From that to the American use as insult, no idea. In Britain it's only come to have that use in recent years through hearing the term in American TV and films, and it's still very uncommon.


nynaeve >
**edited**.


Way to take the conversation down into the gutter.

Actually it was coined in the 1960s and was used to indicate someone who was haughty or arrogant. It's always had the dual-gender connotation when used as such. Sorry...I know there is a contingent that is out to prove that TPTB are woman haters in every way, shape, and form, but you're barking up the wrong tree. With the eagerness some folks have to take offense, maybe we should have a safe house/non "hostile" message section just for them lol.

Perhaps this will clarify: http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Image:Prodouchebag.jpg
Actually it was coined way before that, in the 50's, to connotate a trollop or slut, as they would have the need to use them often. I do realize that it transformed into a present-day meaning of arrogant shmuck, but hey I'm older and remember when it meant more than that I guess.

My saying I'm not a fan of the word in no way means that I'm "out to prove TPTB are woman haters in every way, shape or form". On the contrary, I am a huge fan of the show, the writers especially, and love that they tend to portray women on the show as strong, powerful, vital human beings..

We're talking about a matter of taste. That word just happens to be one I don't like. (and like I said, I'm not shy) Does that mean I don't like the writers? Hell no, and I would vehemently defend their right to use such terms as this is freedom of expression. Simply stating that I'm not a fan of the word. I'm sure there's other women out there who would say the same. Nothing wrong with that.

I'd like to know why a dead body smells like a fart?

Because when people die, their bodies still produce gas...And it slips out. So dead people still fart.

We're talking about a matter of taste. That word just happens to be one I don't like. (and like I said, I'm not shy) Does that mean I don't like the writers? Hell no, and I would vehemently defend their right to use such terms as this is freedom of expression. Simply stating that I'm not a fan of the word. I'm sure there's other women out there who would say the same. Nothing wrong with that.

As a matter of fact I said something very similar myself, up-thread:

I've been known to "talk like a trucker" in my day, and I do use the f-word a lot when I'm stressed-- but I admit I do cringe a little when I hear the word 'douche.' Go figure.

I don't need to have these words scrubbed from my tv fare, though (as long as they're not discriminatory, that's where I would draw the line if it were up to me).

Great thread.

ari

I've just got to comment on this post. FART is a "funny" word in our family, not ha ha, but basically accepted, like, "did you fart". Dam you. BUT, douche I find offensive. Basically, you can call it "vaginal cleaning hygiene instrument" all you want, and mother earth, etc, but it still conjures up visions of something that is just not right. Anyway, if you called me a fart, I'd laugh but call me a douche and I'd be offended. Sexist, no, call me wife a fart and she'd laugh, call her a douche though and see what happens.

Thanks for the etymology lesson. I admit to being a bit of a word geek....

you can call it "vaginal cleaning hygiene instrument" all you want, and mother earth, etc, but it still conjures up visions of something that is just not right

OK, i'll bite. What visions are you conjuring up, and what's not right about them?

call me a douche and I'd be offended....call me wife a fart and she'd laugh, call her a douche though and see what happens.

To me, as others have mentioned, a douche is and always will be a plain ole shower. So if anyone were to call me a "douche" i'd have to laugh, as it doesn't make sense.