seven dirty words

Today in Constitutional Law II, we discussed FCC v. Pacifica Foundation, also known as the “seven dirty words” case made famous by comedian and satirist George Carlin. Carlin has broadcasted one of his famous stand-up routines discussing the seven words you can’t say – because it makes people uncomfortable – on the radio. A man who heard the broadcast, apparently while driving with his son in the car, called to complain and the case was filed against Pacific Foundation, who owned the radio station.

Interestingly enough, the case (written by Justice Stevens) makes no mention to the seven words, which I had to look up on Wikipedia. I won’t make you do that, although if you’re interested, here’s the article: Seven Dirty Words. These are not in any particular order:

1. Fuck
2. Shit
3. Piss
4. Motherfucker
5. Cunt
6. Tits
7. Cocksucker

The outcome of the case? The government is allowed to regulate “indecent” speech over certain forms of broadcasting – especially that which is widely disseminated and may very easily reach the ears or eyes of children.

While I was writing this, I found it hilarious that when you misspell, say, motherfucker on your friendly word processor the program won’t suggest the actual word “motherfucker.” It will spit back “no spelling suggestions.” But it doesn’t come up as a misspelled word, when spelled correctly, meaning that it’s in the computer’s spell-check and therefore it’s considered a word. [Ed. note: the word “cunt” apparently didn’t make the cut.] Are our word processors trying to teach us a form of realistic morality? The people programming the software are obviously aware of the word and it’s existence in our vernacular – therefore not identifying the words as gibberish – but are unwilling to give us the tools to correctly spell them.

In honor of this case and what it means to our society, considering the current crackdowns by the FCC, I’m including the following two recipes. Enjoy them together or separate for your own celebration of words that we know are there, but sometimes don’t go out of our way to address.

Dirty Martini (serves one)
- 1 ½ oz. gin or vodka
- Splash of dry vermouth
- Splash of juice from green olive jar
- 1 green olive

Fill shaker with ice. Pour first three ingredients in, shake and strain into chilled martini glass. Add olive and serve.


7-Layer Dip (a layer for each bad word; serves about 8-10)
- 1 16-oz. can refried beans
- 1 24-oz. container of fresh salsa (medium works well)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 cups sour cream (divided)
- Juice from one lime
- 1-2 seeded and chopped Serrano chilies (optional, depending to taste)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 16-oz. can sliced black olives, drained
- 1 cup sliced green onions
- salt, pepper
- Tortilla chips

1. Heat the refried beans either in a microwaveable bowl or over low heat until warmed through. Spread over very large glass bowl (usually the type for mixing) or very deep casserole dish to cover the bottom.

2. Cut the avocados in half, lengthwise. Twist and remove the pit. With the avocado flesh still in the peel, take a knife and cut the flesh into dice without cutting through the peel. Repeat with the remaining avocado. Invert peel and spoon out diced avocado in bowl. Mash about half of the avocado, and then gently mix in the unmashed and cubed flesh. Mix with half of the salsa, 2 tbs. of the sour cream, the lime juice, Serrano chilies and salt and pepper to taste. [Note: to save time, you can purchase pre-made guacamole, however this version tends to be much better.] Spread the guacamole over the refried beans.

3. Drain any additional liquid out of the remaining salsa, and spread the salsa over the guacamole. Follow with a layer of the shredded cheese, then a layer of the remaining sour cream, then the black olives. Finish by sprinkling the green onions over the top.

4. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Serve with tortilla chips, and try not to eat the whole thing as a meal.