Anonymous wrote:It's a gross word. My kids know not to say it around adults.

Exactly. Up there with pissed off, which is ugly. We just don't say things like that.

Interesting article:

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/the_good_word/2006/08/suck_it_up.html

I know where the phrase originated, but in my experience most people don't think of it that way and consider it fairly mild. We warned our kids that it could be considered vulgar, and would always make a worse impression than other milder or more pleasant words. We've set the expectation that they're to avoid the use of such language knowingly around adults, though I don't care how they speak around just their friends as long as they're not being cruel to someone present.

Anonymous wrote:Yes I'm the pp. sucks means suck a #%^*
It is not a word for children. Many people
Use it harmlessly but it is an awful expression.
Correct?

Also seems homophobic.

I don't like for my kids to use the word "sucks" or "hate", mainly because by doing so I've found that I and them speak a lot more positively and focus on things in like they do like instead. My kids and I have had a lot of conversations about how while other families may not talk and conduct themselves the way ours does, we try to do ignore such influences and keep smiling.

I have all boys and prior to middle school, I don't allow it. I hate the way it sounds and to me, it sounds vulgar. Once in MS, I loosen up around their friends but don't want to hear it from them myself. I try to discourage "lazy" language so they'll find better words to express themselves.

Yes I'm the pp. sucks means suck a #%^*
It is not a word for children. Many people
Use it harmlessly but it is an awful expression.
Correct?

It's a gross word. My kids know not to say it around adults.

Isn't that the origin of the expression?

Anonymous wrote:Many people hear the word and think oral sex. So yeah a child that age saying it is offensive?
Do you get that? I would never say so to other parents but my children are not allowed to use that word.

I dont think think may people think of oral sex when someone says "that sucks!"...maybe your mind is just stuck in the gutter.

Many people hear the word and think oral sex. So yeah a child that age saying it is offensive?
Do you get that? I would never say so to other parents but my children are not allowed to use that word.

Personally I'm not a huge fan of the word. I try and let my kids know what words are appropriate when. Talking with your friends - one set of words, talking with us- another set of words, talking with (or around) other adults - another ball of wax altogether.

Depends how often she says it. If she thinks everything "sucks" and says it a lot, I can see why her friend's mom wouldn't like her influence/attitude. But, if she doesn't use it often I think it'd be fine. Maybe have a conversation about having positive or constructive things to say.

They're not mutually exclusive.

My 10yo DD just told my husband that her friends mom thinks my DD is a bad influence because she says the word "sucks". (DD's friend reported that's what her mom said). Is friends mom being too sensitive, or am I raising a cretin?