Leslie Karst

What Is It About the Word “Moist”?

Consider these two sentences:

  • “Sally stared hungrily at the slice of moist chocolate cake that sat upon her plate.”
  • “Valerie gingerly lifted from the bathroom floor the moist towel and tossed it into the laundry hamper.”

I bet you had two completely different visceral reactions to the word “moist” in those sentences, am I right?

moist cupcakes

So what is it about that word—moist—that causes such varied reactions? Because supposedly some twenty percent of people shudder when they hear the word (though I’m guessing the number is actually higher).

And what about other similarly hated words such as “sticky,” “chunky,” and “milky”?

“Sticky” seems to fall into the same category as “moist.” When used to describe a dessert such as sticky toffee pudding, it’s a positive quality. But when referring to a substance you might accidentally touch, it’s a most unpleasant description.

Similarly, chunky peanut butter or a hearty, chunky stew both sound great—something you’d be happy to consume. But other uses of “chunky”? (I won’t go into details.) Not so much.

And a milky-colored opal or a milky egg cream seem pleasant enough to the ear, but in other contexts, the word is likely to cause a grimace of disgust.

It’s interesting to note that most of these words refer to something concerning a liquid, and that when used in the context of food, they generally produce a pleasant reaction. But when used for other things—most especially in a biological sense—we find them to be supremely gross.

Other terms that come up when you do an online for “the most hated words” include “crevice,” “slacks,” and “luggage.”

“Crevice” I get. (Though as a fan of geology, I tend to think of cool rock faces when I hear the word.) But “slacks”? I just think of Katherine Hepburn when I hear that word.

my mom sporting some swell slacks

And “luggage”? Huh? What the heck am I missing?

Readers: Is this an age thing? Do us older folks find these words to be fine, whereas younger people tend to be disgusted by them?

And what words can you think of that people seem to hate in one context but consider to be fine when used in other ways?

Leslie Karst is the Agatha, Lefty, and Macavity Award-nominated author of the Orchid Isle Mysteries, the Sally Solari mysteries, and the memoir, Justice is Served: A Tale of Scallops, the Law, and Cooking for RBG. When not writing, you’ll find her cooking, cycling, gardening, and observing cocktail hour promptly at five o’clock. Learn more and sign up for Leslie’s newsletter here.

31 thoughts on “What Is It About the Word “Moist”?”

  3. So funny you mention the word slacks. My ex TV writing partner hated that word and I never got it. I hear her voice any time I use it in a book.

    For some reason the word crunchy sometimes bugs me. And I hate the word yummy. It just sound so cutesy. I know there are others. Now I’ll want to send them to you when I remember what they are!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. There was a popular New Wave song back in the early ’80s that I loved called “Black Slacks.”

      I’m not a big fan of the word “yummy,” either–there’s also something slightly creepy about it.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

  4. Let’s see.

    Slacks? Maybe because it’s a form of slacker? You know, Marty McFly’s principal in Back to the Future? He always called Marty a slacker, no matter what timeframe.

    Luggage? You got me. Wait! Lugie (as in spitball)? Maybe?

    Hey, I’m trying here!

    Maybe it is an age thing.

    My hated word is entitlement. That is definitely an age thing. Several members of a younger generation have been pointedly rude to me because I don’t demand, but kind of expect, common courtesy from all people. Apparently that makes me entitled. Long story, you’ll have to ask about it next time we talk.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  5. Fun and intriguing post, Leslie. Thank you. At this time, I can’t think of polite words that give me a strong negative reaction. Regarding “slacks,” I really like that word. It’s fun and casual. I can understand people shuddering at the word “luggage” considering the hassle air travel has become. I’m afraid to wonder out loud whether planes can get any smaller.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  7. Slacks is SO 1960-70’s to me! Like yours, my mom used to sport a mean pair of slacks (when she wasn’t wearing her clam-diggers). (Makes me think back to when we lived in England. My daughter did middle school there and one day came home in a huff because she told someone she liked her pants and the kid went ballistic – “pants” there refers to underpants!)

    Words that bug the heck out of me – “preggo” and “preggers” and “kiddos” – don’t know why – too cutesy?

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  8. Slacks is SO 1960-70’s to me! Like yours, my mom used to sport a mean pair of slacks (when she wasn’t wearing her clam-diggers). (Makes me think back to when we lived in England. My daughter did middle school there and one day came home in a huff because she told someone she liked her pants and the kid went ballistic – “pants” there refers to underpants!)

    Words that bug the heck out of me – “preggo” and “preggers” and “kiddos” – don’t know why – too cutesy?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. I was ok with “moist” until I read the Discworld series. Terry Pratchett made such a good case against it, now I cringe with I hear it.

    As for sayings, I tempted to say “No!” whenever anyone says “Does that make sense?”

    PS. Great pic of your mom!

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  11. I guess the only word that gives me the ick is something like vomit. I never knew moist bothered anyone until the last few years, but now it’s all I can think about any time I hear it.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  12. Fun post, Leslie! I loathe the word “belly button.” Just. Cannot. Maybe since I read Honestly, Katie John! by Mary Calhoun in elementary school. Katie John wore an old sweater with a hole in it the day of her 6th-grade class’s big performance, and when the hole grew bigger and bigger before they went on stage, she pinned a piece of paper that said “belly button” over it. The associate words “innie” and “outie” make me squirm too.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

Leave a comment