"Annoyed Child": Our Ancestors and Euphemisms

Our Ancestors and Euphemisms
If you read newspaper articles from 1915 to 1940, you will stumble upon words and phrases that suggest a crime but fail to define the crime. The phrase “He annoyed a child” was a common one during this timeframe. Our ancestors used this term to describe acts of child molestation, sexual abuse, or assault. Basically, early 20th century societal norms around decency and propriety caused for strong action. The seriousness of this assault on children was softened in its reporting by alluding to inappropriate or criminal behavior without directly addressing its nature.

Why Annoyed?
The use of “annoyed” can also be traced to legal terminology of the time. This was the preferred way to address crimes against children. Verbs like “offend,” “disturb,” or “annoy” a child, are riddled in historical court records, newspaper articles and divorce records.

What About the Child?

Well, some took matters in their own hands. Murdering Dad seemed to be an option. Matter of fact, as you see above, murdering the man who touched your daughter was "justifiable homicide." 

This was not the norm however. Children were often silenced or disbelieved, and perpetrators were shielded by societal taboos and unpolite topics to discuss. Yet, we see above that parents, sometimes just the mother, allowed daughters to testify. In one case above, the older sister also testified on behalf of her little sister who killed Dad. But, we must know that minimizing language to “annoyed” reflected a cultural discomfort with addressing these issues head-on.

I'd like to say, as awareness of child abuse and sexual violence grew in the mid-20th century... but truth is EVERYONE knew it! There wasn't a lack of awareness, it was a lack of acknowledgment. Anyway, after WWII there was a shift in transparent language. Activists, survivors, and advocates worked to bring these issues out of the shadows and into the public eye using the law and media!

Women Empowered

The term rape has existed for centuries but rarely used in early newspaper reporting or courts. Its consistent and direct use in media reporting began in earnest during the mid-20th century, gaining momentum with feminist activism in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it is recognized as an essential term for accurately and responsibly addressing the crime of sexual violence.

Kathleen Brandt