Category: Misc.

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Editorial Team, Literature, Misc., Writing

The Metamorphosing English Language

Thousands of words may have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in recent years, yet it would be a mistake to think that this is the limit of English. The OED, being a descriptivist endeavour, will always be lagging behind, and now more so than ever, as new technology permits new registers for language to be played with. Social media platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp create a written medium that has the speed and interaction of speech and come with their own newly minted lexicons. Yet it is important for the OED to recognise the new words that emerge from these kinds of mediums of communication, partly as a resource for studying the language, but also to give words a sense of respectability – like a shield to hold off those pedants decrying the deterioration of English. As such, see this article as more of a personal view on changes to the language that I like, not a judgement on the new words. Continue reading The Metamorphosing English Language

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Editorial Team, Lifestyle, Misc., Sex, Lust & Love

Lessons in Love

Sometimes, I don’t tell people I love them enough, or at all. If anything, I tell the wrong people I love them. I tell the people who don’t love me back or who have a curious and cruel concept of love. I mostly find myself proclaiming the infamous ‘L-word’ when I’m infused with gin and have smudged mascara because I am surrounded by those who … Continue reading Lessons in Love

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Editorial Team, Lifestyle, Misc., Politics, sex, Sex, Lust & Love

Strategic Essentialism and Queer Identities: Validation or Exclusion?

From general terms like queer, to gay slang like cishet, there are so many labels now that the majority of people, both inside and outside of the LGBTQ+ community, have no idea most of them even exist. And yet, queer people often find that their label, or lack thereof, defines them both within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. Of course, in many ways, this can be empowering, giving queer people validation and an opportunity to express their identity. However, the minefield of personal opinions, ignorance, casual homophobia and exhausted indifference which surrounds the concept of strategic essentialist queer identities means that the topic becomes a lot more complex. Despite being proud of their identities, a lack of understanding and even homophobia can lead to strategic essentialist views of LGBTQ+ people that are deeply problematic. Continue reading Strategic Essentialism and Queer Identities: Validation or Exclusion?

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Editorial Team, Exeter Uni, Lifestyle, Local, Misc., What's Happening

Events to Get You Through the Post-Christmas Blues

Term two is underway, Christmas is a distant memory and it’s so dark that by half five you want to get into bed and call it a day. Never fear- here are some of Exeter’s finest offerings for February and March to keep you occupied until the sun actually decides to come out again. Continue reading Events to Get You Through the Post-Christmas Blues

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Editorial Team, Lifestyle, Misc., Music, What's Happening

TikTok Explained

TikTok is a free app that is available on smart phones. As the most downloaded app on the Apple App store, it has taken millions of users by storm since its global release in 2017. The concept of TikTok is simple but obviously very effective. Users have the ability to make their own 15-60 second videos, adding their own videos, choosing songs or sound effects and other special effects to add to their videos. Therefore, this means people can create their own dances, copy others, make comedy or lip-syncing videos. Once the user is happy with their video, they can publish it to their personal TikTok page and share it on other social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram. Once a video is published, other users can like and comment on it and then follow the user. Continue reading TikTok Explained

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Editorial Team, Lifestyle, Misc.

Dealing with Period Pain

For as long as I can remember, my periods have hurt; less when they are regular, more when I am stressed, an almost intolerable amount when they are irregular AND I’m stressed. Before I discovered Feminax, which has been a lifesaver over the past couple of years and often the only thing that makes any difference at all, I carried out extensive research (both online and among my friends) to try and discover what the best methods for dealing with period pain are. For me, the most effective natural remedies turned out to be two principle things: heat (whether this be hot water bottles, sitting in the bath for extended periods of time, or sipping hot drinks) and distraction – usually in the form of some calming music or my favourite TV show. Now that I know what works for me – a combination of painkillers and preparation for when the pain does strike – I don’t dread my monthly cycle as much as I used to. Whatever your go-to solution is, or becomes, period pain should never stop you from getting on with your everyday life and if you start to find that it does, never be afraid to ask for help or be open about the issues it may be causing you. Continue reading Dealing with Period Pain

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