many topics, but several topics failed. On the other hand, men’s topics are successful, although some are the same as women’s topics that have failed.
Topic failure is actually caused by the failure to respond. To react to such situation, using questions becomes one of the strategies. Question forms need a
response from the other person in conversation, so the topics can last longer Frank and Anshen, 1983:31.
b. Swear Word or Taboo Language
Swearing or expressing taboo language shows rude words and impoliteness. Trudgill 1977:29 considers swear word or taboo language as improper behavior.
This relates to the unsaid things and unused words or expressions, such as Fuck, Damn it, and others.
Most men express swear words showing their anger. It is emphasized that “the folklinguistic belief that men swear more than women and use more taboo
words is widespread ” Coates, 2004:97 Moreover, Trudgill 1977:90 states that
using taboo words and swear words is acceptable for men. On the other hand, women have an “instinctive shrinking from coarse and gross expressions and a
preference for refined and in certain sphere veiled and indirect expressions ”
Jespersen, 1922:246. It can be understood that w omen’s characteristic is polite
and differs from men’s. One of the examples is the use of dear and shit in a conversation. Lakoff and
Bucholtz 2004:44 give details that the expression Oh dear, you’ve put the peanut butter in the refrigerator again is as
women’s language and polite expressions. Meanwhile, Shit, you’ve put the peanut butter in the refrigerator
again shows men’s language. It can be noticed by the expression of swear word
shit. Actually, the difference of using oh dear and shit is only a matter of the
choice of particle. It shows “how strongly one allows oneself to feel about something.” Lakoff and Bucholtz, 2004:44. It can be assumed that the strength
of emotions lies in the strength of the particle.
c. Gossip
Gossiping is talking about one’s private lives, but it can show a way to express solidarity between speakers and listeners. It shows
that “gossip conveys information about people, events, or attitudes as well as serving the cohesive
social function of emphasizing membership of the in-group and reinforcing solidarity between contributors
” Holmes, 1995:4. It is also explained that gossip is to “affirm solidarity and maintain the social relationship” Holmes, 1992:331.
As stated in the previous section, McDonald, Putallaz, Grimes, Kupersmidt, and Coie 2007:390 explore the topics of gossip. Those are physical
characteristics, personal characteristics, behavior, sexuality, or peer associations. In this case, physical characteristics include appearance, clothes, or hygiene.
Personal characteristics refer to individual traits, like intelligence, ethnicity, religion, or family. Then, behavior represents actions or behavior, including social
skills, abilities, specific actions, and morals. Sexuality refers to sexual interests or sexual behavior. The last topic shows group associations, or group membership.
Women and men might have different topics to gossip. It is stated that gossip is “women’s interest in talking about one’s lives” Tannen, 1990:96. Moreover, it
is explained that women like to talk about “trivial topics and gibberish” Aries,
