4 ms·
In English and in France we use a bunch of different words that kind of quantify levels of friendship. This means that the word friendship is already subjective
by Cephlin 10y ago
In English and in France we use a bunch of different words that kind of quantify levels of friendship. This means that the word friendship is already subjective within a particular language.
Here a some of the words:
My friend, my palm, my buddy, my chum, my bff, my mate
Mon ami, mon pot, mon copain, mon camarade, mon familier
Here are some references to show how they relate to each other: http://www.wordreference.com/enfr/reverse/friend http://www.wordreference.com/enfr/reverse/friend
http://www.wordreference.com/fren/reverse/pote http://www.wordreference.com/fren/reverse/pote
Also there is a difference between a female friendship and male friendship usually. Men friends with other men barely talk about their problem, they're usually hanging out to escape their problems. I can't speak for women categorically but I feel they're more likely to discuss their issues with their female friends than men.
There are far more factors in play too, such as culture, friends in the Australia for example may call each other cunts but in the USA that would probably not be a friendly thing to do even with your pals.
My overarching point being that friendship means many things to many different people, regardless of even leaving a country, language or culture. So given the context of the world, it clearly has varying meanings.
- laumars 10y agoIn what kind of detail? We have multiple terms of friendship too albeit many slang and likely less beautiful than the French language: associate acquaintance colleague school / work / etc mate friend homegirl / homeboy comrade wingman best friend (plus similar slang like "bezzie" and "bff") confidant companion girlfriend / boyfriend partner / wife / husband soul mate ...plus many more I've not thought of.
- Cephlin 10y agoAhh, I already updated my answer to cover some of your point, however you have thought of far more words in English than I did :)
- tzs 10y ago> ...plus many more I've not thought of Several more are in one scene of one Simpsons episode [1]. Homer is trying to determine who his soul mate is, and goes into Moe's thinking it might be Barney. Barney said that he was more of a chum. Homer turned to Lenny, who said he was a crony. Carl said he was an acquaintance. Other people at the bar said colleague, sympathizer, compadre, associate, and contemporary. Finally, Homer turns to Moe, who unleashes the perfect term for many modern friendships: "I'm a well-wisher in that I don't wish you any specific harm". [1] Season 8, Episode 9, "The Mysterious Voyage of Homer" (3F24).