No word has the versatility and power of the F-bomb. It is such a simple word, but can be used in almost any situation.

It can exemplify happiness and precisely describe the level of one’s frustration in ways the word “very” doesn’t come close to expressing. Out of a million or so words in the English language, sometimes the F-bomb is the only one suitable in many situations.

The term is said to have derived from the Latin “futuere,” and, in 1598, was published in a dictionary, meaning “to strike or penetrate.”

After gaining a sexual connotation, the Oxford English Dictionary excluded the word; thus the word became taboo for much of the 15th to early 20th centuries.

The F-bomb is a harsh word. How could a four-letter word surrounding a single vowel with such strong consonants possibly sound light and fluffy?

The second part of the meaning, “to penetrate,” is the most likely reason for the word’s sexual connotation. What demented mind would equate sex with violence? Our society does this so readily that any comedian worth his salt has made a joke about how sex scenes are censored in film and on television while violent, gruesome murders are aired with only a slight change in rating, if any. Are we so afraid of sex that we must equate it with brutality?

Now, of course, there is always a proper time and place for things, but I think it is time to seize the meaning of this word from the prudish Puritan public.

While words are used to describe emotions, the reaction a word receives comes directly from our collective experiences and human interactions. If a word is “bad,” we make it such.

Controversy has surrounded the F-bomb in print, but soldiers during World War I continued using the word in conversation.

“‘F’ phrases” are now thrown around nonchalantly, yet a study of British-public attitudes found that this word is the third most profane term.

Whatever sexual or violent meaning the F-bomb has is eroding. When the word is thrown around in conversations around campus, many people don’t notice unless there is a strong emotional context behind the word.

The meaning of every word is fluid. Terms once considered jovial are now considered derogatory or insulting. If the meaning of the glorious F-bomb is now shifting, I say let it happen.

While oversensitivity and censorship have threatened the greatness of the word, I say, “Why the ‘F’ can’t I say ‘F’?”