Semantics

A recent dinner conversation, following my return from a two-day conference in Indianapolis. Note: Ava spent that time with my parents.

Ava (pointing to an unidentifiable crumb on the table): What the hell is that?

This was spoken casually and—yes—quite correctly. Mommy and Daddy’s response? First, open-mouthed shock. Then, I’m sad to report, side-splitting laughter. Oh, it couldn’t be helped! That quizzical look on her face paired with the sound of that little word coming out of her sweet little mouth—it was too much. So we laughed. And laughed. Then Ava laughed.

Ava (repeating several times): What the hell is that? What the hell is that?

Mommy (finally): You know, honey, that’s not a very nice word to say. Sweet little girls shouldn’t say things like that.

Ava: But Mamaw said I could say that word. She WANTS me to say it.

Mommy: Hmm, I highly doubt that, Ava. Should we call her and ask?

Ava: Oh, I just remembered what I’m supposed to say. What the HECK is that?

Yes, after the entertaining phone conversation that ensued with my mother, it was discovered that Ava had learned this phrase from watching the Spider Man movie (which I did approve, by the way), and had been instructed by her grandmother to substitute the other, less offensive word for the original offender.

Hilarious semantics, if I do say so myself.

P.S. No, the above photograph has nothing to do with this incident, but I felt it fully captured the PERSONALITY of the endearing toddler I live with each day. Enjoy!