What did Joe Biden mean when he referred to an old friend as a “butt buddy” during a speech in Iowa. How has this colloquial term evolved over time. What are the potential implications of a high-ranking official using such language in a public address.
The Incident: Biden’s Unexpected Greeting
During a speech in Iowa, Vice President Joe Biden surprised attendees with an unconventional greeting to an old friend. He called out, “Neal Smith, an old butt buddy. Are you here, Neal? Neal, I miss you, man. I miss you.” This casual use of the term “butt buddy” quickly caught the attention of listeners and media alike, sparking discussions about its appropriateness and potential implications.
Understanding the Term ‘Butt Buddy’: Origins and Evolution
The term “butt buddy” has a complex history and varying connotations depending on context and generational understanding. Originally, it was primarily used as slang among adolescents, particularly in the 1980s, to describe extremely close male friendships. However, the term has evolved over time and can carry different meanings in different circles.
Historical Context of ‘Butt Buddy’
In its earliest usage, “butt buddy” was often employed by middle school boys to describe inseparable friends. The implication, often made in jest, was that such close friendship might indicate a more intimate relationship. This usage reflects the casual homophobia often present in adolescent humor of the time.
Modern Interpretations and Sensitivities
Today, the term “butt buddy” is generally considered outdated and potentially offensive. Its use can be seen as insensitive to LGBTQ+ communities and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. In professional settings, it’s typically viewed as inappropriate due to its crude nature and potential for misinterpretation.
Biden’s Background: A History of Verbal Gaffes
Joe Biden has a well-documented history of verbal missteps and unconventional language choices throughout his political career. This incident adds to a long list of what some call “Bidenisms” – unexpected or unorthodox statements that have both endeared him to supporters and provided fodder for critics.
Notable ‘Bidenisms’ Over the Years
- Referring to President Obama as “the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean” in 2007
- Telling a paraplegic state senator to “stand up” during a 2008 campaign event
- Describing Obama’s healthcare reform as a “big f***ing deal” on live microphone in 2010
These incidents have contributed to Biden’s reputation as a politician who often speaks off-the-cuff, sometimes leading to controversial statements.
Public Reaction: Mixed Responses to Biden’s Comment
The public reaction to Biden’s use of “butt buddy” was varied, reflecting the diverse perspectives on political correctness, generational language differences, and expectations for high-ranking officials.
Supportive Viewpoints
Some supporters viewed the comment as a harmless slip of the tongue, emphasizing Biden’s reputation for authenticity and his tendency to speak casually. They argued that the term was likely used without any malicious intent and should be understood in the context of Biden’s generation and background.
Critical Perspectives
Critics, on the other hand, saw the comment as inappropriate for a Vice President, regardless of intent. They argued that such language could be seen as insensitive or offensive, particularly to LGBTQ+ communities. Some also questioned whether it reflected a lack of judgment or awareness of current social norms.
Political Implications: Impact on Biden’s Image
The “butt buddy” incident raises questions about how such verbal missteps might affect Biden’s political image and future aspirations. As a potential presidential candidate, every public statement is scrutinized, and unconventional language choices can have lasting impacts.
Potential Challenges for Future Campaigns
Should Biden choose to run for higher office, incidents like this could be used by opponents to question his judgment or ability to represent the country on the world stage. It might also raise concerns about his ability to connect with younger voters who may find such language outdated or offensive.
Possible Advantages of Biden’s Speaking Style
Conversely, some argue that Biden’s tendency to speak casually and sometimes make verbal gaffes contributes to his image as an authentic, relatable politician. This “everyman” quality has been a key part of his political persona throughout his career and may continue to resonate with certain voter demographics.
Media Coverage: Framing the Incident
The media’s treatment of Biden’s “butt buddy” comment varied widely, reflecting different editorial approaches and political leanings. Some outlets focused on the potential controversy, while others downplayed the incident or contextualized it within Biden’s history of verbal missteps.
Mainstream Media Response
Many mainstream news outlets reported the incident factually, often including it as part of broader coverage of Biden’s speech or political activities. Some provided additional context about Biden’s speaking style or history of similar incidents.
Social Media Reaction
On social media platforms, the incident sparked numerous memes, jokes, and heated discussions. The rapid spread of the clip online contributed to its broader visibility and impact on public discourse.
Language in Politics: Evolving Standards and Expectations
The “butt buddy” incident raises broader questions about the use of language in politics and how standards of appropriateness have evolved over time. It highlights the challenges politicians face in navigating changing social norms while maintaining authenticity.
Generational Differences in Language Use
Politicians from different generations may have varying comfort levels with certain terms or expressions. What was once considered casual or friendly language might now be seen as inappropriate or insensitive, particularly in formal settings.
The Role of Political Correctness
The incident also reignited debates about political correctness in public discourse. Some argue that heightened sensitivity to language is necessary for inclusive politics, while others contend that it can stifle authentic communication and distract from substantive issues.
LGBTQ+ Perspectives: Implications for Inclusivity
For LGBTQ+ communities, the use of terms like “butt buddy” by high-ranking officials can be particularly concerning. It raises questions about sensitivity to LGBTQ+ issues and the potential normalization of language that could be seen as homophobic or dismissive.
Advocacy Group Responses
Several LGBTQ+ advocacy groups responded to the incident, with some calling for greater awareness and others using it as an opportunity to educate about the impact of casual language on marginalized communities.
The Importance of Inclusive Language in Politics
The incident underscores the ongoing need for politicians to be mindful of inclusive language, particularly as LGBTQ+ rights and representation continue to be important political issues.
Historical Context: Evolution of Political Speech
Biden’s use of the term “butt buddy” can be seen as part of a broader historical trend in the evolution of political speech. Over the decades, standards for what is considered acceptable language in public discourse have shifted significantly.
Past Incidents of Controversial Political Language
Throughout U.S. history, there have been numerous instances of politicians using language that was later deemed inappropriate or offensive. These incidents often reflect the social norms and attitudes of their time, but can be jarring when viewed through a contemporary lens.
Changing Expectations for Political Figures
As society has become more diverse and inclusive, expectations for political figures have evolved. There is now a greater emphasis on using language that is respectful and inclusive of all communities, reflecting the diverse constituencies that politicians serve.
Communication Strategies: Lessons for Political Figures
The “butt buddy” incident offers valuable lessons for political figures and their communications teams about the importance of careful language choice in public settings.
Importance of Preparation and Awareness
Political figures and their teams must be increasingly aware of changing language norms and potential sensitivities. This includes thorough preparation for public appearances and speeches, with attention to both content and delivery.
Balancing Authenticity and Appropriateness
One of the key challenges for politicians is maintaining their authentic voice while adhering to standards of appropriate public discourse. Finding this balance is crucial for connecting with voters while avoiding potentially damaging missteps.
Public Perception: Impact on Voter Trust and Relatability
Incidents like Biden’s use of “butt buddy” can have complex effects on public perception, influencing how voters view a politician’s character, judgment, and relatability.
The Double-Edged Sword of Casual Language
While casual language can make politicians seem more approachable and authentic, it also risks alienating certain groups or appearing unprofessional. The impact often depends on the specific context and the politician’s established public persona.
Long-Term Effects on Political Careers
Repeated instances of controversial language use can accumulate over time, potentially shaping a politician’s image and influencing their long-term career prospects. However, the impact can vary greatly depending on how the incidents are handled and explained.
Media Literacy: Interpreting Political Gaffes
The public’s reaction to incidents like Biden’s “butt buddy” comment is influenced by media literacy and the ability to critically analyze political news and commentary.
The Role of Context in Understanding Political Speech
It’s crucial for voters to consider the full context of political statements, including the speaker’s background, intent, and the broader political climate. This context can significantly influence how gaffes or controversial statements are interpreted.
Critical Consumption of Political News
As political gaffes and controversies are often amplified in the media, it’s important for consumers to critically evaluate news sources and seek out diverse perspectives to form well-rounded opinions.
Future Implications: Shaping Political Discourse
The reaction to Biden’s use of “butt buddy” and similar incidents may influence future political discourse and communication strategies.
Potential for Increased Scrutiny
As social media and 24/7 news cycles continue to amplify political statements, politicians may face even greater scrutiny of their language choices. This could lead to more cautious and scripted communication styles.
Evolving Standards of Political Communication
Incidents like this may contribute to ongoing shifts in what is considered acceptable political speech, potentially leading to new norms and expectations for public figures across the political spectrum.
As society continues to grapple with issues of language, inclusivity, and political correctness, incidents like Biden’s use of “butt buddy” serve as important touchstones for broader discussions about communication in the public sphere. They highlight the complex interplay between authenticity, appropriateness, and the evolving standards of political discourse in a diverse and rapidly changing world.
Biden Gives Heartfelt Hello to ‘Old Butt Buddy’ During Speech
Biden Gives Heartfelt Hello to ‘Old Butt Buddy’ During Speech
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During a speech in Iowa, Vice-President Joe Biden gave a shout-out to a dear old friend, or, as he put it, a “butt buddy.”
“Neal Smith, an old butt buddy,” Biden said. “Are you here, Neal? Neal, I miss you, man. I miss you.”
Biden Says Hi to ‘Old Butt Buddy’ During Speech
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What is the origin and meaning of the term “Butt Buddies”?
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Today, in the midst of chatting on other SE sites, the term “bum buddies” was used.
Some other users took this to be offensive, saying that it was just a slightly less egregious version of “butt buddies”. I was not offended by the term, but others informed me that it has homosexual connotations.
I always remember using the term to refer to close friends, almost as a synonym of “bosom buddies”.
Can someone guide as the correct usage (so I can avoid using inappropriate terms in the future)? If there is any history on the term that could be useful as well, please include it.
- meaning
- origin-unknown
8
According to NGram Viewer, this is a new term first gaining some prominence in the late 1980’s. It would seem to mean based on what I can find, to reference a male homosexual relationship of some varying level of intimacy. However, its usage seems to be that the speaker is simply implying that two things or people appear to be highly bonded, so much so, that tongue-in-cheek, they appear to be lovers.
I see a reference to it in “Phrack Magazine” from 1993 in a suggestive, but not literal homosexual way “The software already present on the MCU is all that
is needed, the interface need only support certain emulations
(see Operation Procedures.) (hmmm… Could Radio Shack and
Northern Telecom be butt buddies?)”. It’s not clear otherwise how the author intended the usage.
It appears in “ATTITUDE” #48 April 1998, but I don’t have this magazine and cannot give you the exact quote. Since this is a men’s gay magazine, it appears to be in reference to homosexuality, and maybe specifically male homosexuality.
The term ‘bum buddies’ appears to have been in usage about 10 years earlier and becoming more ubiquitous during the 80’s and 90’s before being abandoned in the mid 1990’s in favor of ‘butt buddies’.
1
Certainly not the first occurrence, but the South Park episode ‘Follow That Egg’, which aired in 2005, may have helped make ‘butt buddies’ a homophobic term in the public consciousness.
The episode revolves around the legalisation of same-sex marriage, and the groups that oppose it. The governor of South Park, who has no actual problem with homosexuals getting married, coins the homophobic term ‘butt buddies’ as a legal ‘separate but equal’ equivalent to marriage in order to pacify those that feel the word ‘marriage’ is inappropriate for such a union.
It carries connotations of homosexual men having anal sex. This is reinforced in the episode when a homosexual woman asks “What about lesbians?” (implying that the term is nonsensical to a group not stereotyped as engaging in anal sex), to which the governor replies “Well, like anyone cares about f**king dykes!”.
(Apologies for the homophobic language, I am only quoting and do not endorse such opinions!)
2
Instrumental case in Polish. Narzędnik w języku polskim. Mobile application for Polish | SpeakASAP®
Today we will learn how to talk about ourselves, for example “I am Russian”, “I am an accountant” .
In Russian we
we answer
question “Who? What?” , and in Polish it will sound and be built like “Who am I? how?” –
Russian,
accountant.
This is instrumental and it is one of the simplest in Polish, as it has the least number of variants
endings.
Masculine nouns ending in a consonant take the ending -em (iem):
| (Mr – Mister) | |
| ojciec – ojcem | (father – father) |
Feminine and masculine nouns ending in -a accept
ending -ą / -ią:
| oko – okiem | (eye to eye) |
| ucho-uchem | (ear-to-ear) |
| pole – polem | (field to field) |
-ę changes the ending to -niem / -ciem (with the final -ę retained):
-um in the singular does not change:
| akwarium – akwarium | (aquarium – aquarium) |
In plural instrumental all nouns add the ending -ami (-mi).
But a special form in this case in the plural. h. have words:
| brat – braćmi | (brother by brothers) |
| dziecko – dziećmi | (child – children) |
| ludźi – ludźmi | (people – people) |
| koń – końmi | (horse – horses) |
| przyjaciel – przyjaciółmi | (buddy – buddies) |
| liść – liśćmi | (sheet – sheets) |
| pieniędzy – pieniędzmi | (money – money) |
For example:
Jestem Rosjaninem. – I am Russian.
Jesteś gościem. – You are a guest.
Pan Nowak jest profesorem. – Mr Novak is a professor.
Jestem Polką. – I’m Polish.
Jesteś mama.
– You are a mother.
Agnieszka jest studentka. – Agnieszka is a student.
Jesteśmy Anglikami. – We are English.
Jesteście gospodyniami. – You are the hostess.
Ola i Ania są siostrami. Olya and Anya are sisters.
The instrumental adjectives
look like this:
Jestem dobrym pracownikiem. – I am a good worker.
Jesteś prawdziwym artystą.
– You are a true artist.
Podroż do Paryża jest moim wielkim marzeniem. Traveling to Paris is my big dream.
Jesteśmy dawnymi przyjaciółmi. – We are old friends.
Jesteście ostatnimi klientami dzisiaj. You are the last customers today.
Ci panowie są ważnymi osobami. These gentlemen are important people.
Pronouns in the instrumental case
Please pay attention to the forms of personal pronouns in the instrumental case:
But there is one small subtlety in the instrumental case.
Pay attention to the following three sentences:
Jan Kowalski jest sympathycznym Polakiem. – Jan Kowalski is a nice Pole. (instrumental)
Pan Kowalski jest sympathyczny. – Mr. Kowalski is handsome. (nominative)
Pan Kowalski to jest sympathyczny Polak. – Mr. Kowalski is a nice Pole. (nominative)
What is the point?
If you use a noun after the verb “to be”
+ adjective = instrumental
Case
If you use
after the verb “to be” only the adjective = nominative case
if you use noun + adjective , and before the verb
also put a particle to = nominative case
To są kreatywne studenci. These are creative students.
Krakow jest polskim miastem. Krakow is a Polish city.
Ewa jest wysportowaną kobietą. – Eva is a sports girl.
Stanisław Barańczak jest dobrym poetą. – Stanislav Baranchak is a good singer.
To jest moja matka. – That’s my mom.
Oni są dobrymi nauczyceliami. – They are good teachers.
To jest wysoka kobieta. – She’s a tall girl.
??
Categories:
- humour. He has been pushing such an inclination of the handle for many years now. But in general, everything is fine in this carbine – the stock, the optics and the quick release on the bipod. I am generally silent about the store reset system.
Well, in the evening, a friend showed simply incredibly beautiful, body kit on a boar 12:
I’ll just quote the manufacturer:
A set based on a unique telescopic stock, made in the style of the BCC. The butt provides a comfortable and confident insertion of the gun due to the variability of the rear run-out settings, a comfortable wide butt plate and a handle that gives a strong, secure grip.
The recommended part of the kit is the conical handguard. The stock is designed for maximum versatility, making it equally easy to use for both right-handed and left-handed users. The pistol grip is designed to fit a wide range of anthropometric parameters and will give a good grip to most users. The butt allows you to make it more convenient to carry weapons between shooting positions, holding with one hand and resting the side of the butt in the forearm. The control button for the butt run-out position lock is well accessible, but at the same time it is reliably protected from accidental influences.
The stock can be mounted on carbines ‘Vepr’12/’Saiga’ (platform RPK/AK) using special adapters. You will also need a commercial diameter pipe to install telescopic stocks. One of the interesting features of the system is the ability to fold the stock for transportation, which complements its operational properties well. In general, stock design falls under the following definition: telescopic, skeletal, folding stock with composite construction .
The recommended part of the kit is the conical handguard. 
