Charles Thompson, E answers “When the author says that the sentence...”

Charles Thompson, E asked this question about What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves:

When the author says that the sentence "Fuck you" has no subject, I wonder if it's another way of saying "You be fucked". And what exactly is the meaning of "Fuck you"? Is "fuck" in this instance an action or state of being verb? I find it a little strange that the author doesn't delve into the meaning at all.

Charles Thompson, E Not sure that answers the question, Kim; rather than the sentence saying "I fuck you," it appears to be saying something like "I hope you get fucked" …moreNot sure that answers the question, Kim; rather than the sentence saying "I fuck you," it appears to be saying something like "I hope you get fucked" or perhaps "I hope you end up in a fucked up state." The subject would appear to be as insubstantial as fate, karma, or circumstances; or perhaps the author is correct, and there is no subject.(less)

flag

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more