I had a revelation today as to why the substance we use to brush our teeth is called "toothpaste."
- I can't imagine ever putting something in my mouth that was called "mouth soap", "oral cleanser", "dental detergent", or any other alternative to the slightly odd yet somewhat sophisticated classic.
Sometimes the traditional is best!
Teach us to care and not to care. Teach us to sit still...
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7 comments:
What about "Dentifrice"?
Hmmm... I can think of worse, but I'm still not compelled to put it in my mouth.
Brushing one's teeth is such a nuisance anyway... it seems that the least we could do for ourselves would be to title our substances with attractive names that incline us to their use.
Mhmm.
But then again, it's not like we can call it "Pearly Whites Pixy Paste" either. It's a balance between functionality and attractiveness.
That's the whole dilemma isn't it-
What is the relationship between function and beauty?
Perhaps they are equal pillars upon which the structure of the health and existence of a thing rests?
Now look what we've discovered...
Not only does the essence of a straw pertain to important theological conclusions, but even toothpaste may play a significant role in metaphysics! The world is becoming so freakin' interesting!
Here's the funny thing I looked over at first. You see, I'm almost inclined to replace the word 'toothpaste' with the word 'dentifrice.' Whereas you took as another word that wouldn't be an adequate replacement of toothpaste. Not to through a postmodern spin on things, but it's just an observation.
PS
of course toothpaste is a dentifrice, so you may deduce that dentifrice would be improper because it's simply not specific enough. even though it encompasses a specific category but not a specific item. for instance, both mouthwash and toothpaste are dentifrices to some extent.
I would be more concerned of you throwing a 'post modern spin' on things of you were claiming that neither toothpaste nor dentifrice actually exist in reality at all, but are mere linguistic constructions...
the word 'toothpaste' IS toothpaste, so to speak... that would be problematic.
In the mean time, yes, you gave me the perfect out. Now I need not confront my prejudice and unfounded dislike for the word 'dentifrice', I can simply justify it as being entirely too broad. I prefer to be precise and articulate *holds head high with smug relief* and therefore, I inadequately rest my case.
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