“Just” is one little word that becomes more important by its regular usage. It can be used as a powerful insult to convey lack of skill or intelligence or it can be used by someone as a sign of one’s humble beginnings acknowledging their humility. At the end of this heated political season, more people are attempting to wield more power by “just joshing” with folks. You know the old follow-up to a zinger, “just kidding.” This is used specifically to increase one’s own power, yet it can also be used to diminish opponents’ arguments by using the old excuse, “I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Previously it has been used most often for playground skirmishes. Statements such as, “He is just a jerk.” Or she is “just a baby.” It is meant to excuse most any offensive behavior. People still count on it to the lessen the sting.
Children pick it up quickly, seeing that it tempers some of the negative reaction. Years ago, it could be used to dismiss someone’s choice of profession, especially women. Filling the traditional role as housewife reduced the valuable contribution that women have been making in the workforce.
At first, it seems a very benign word when used this way. Looking at the bigger picture of its contribution to our daily dialogue, it becomes apparent how its inclusion changes the meaning. This combination of seemingly innocuous words packs a knockdown punch sometimes. It might be best to put it back in the word closet permanently.
By Dolly Viscardi