Words Hold Weight: Stop Dismissing Their Impact with the ‘Just Words’ Argument

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“Everyone, calm down. It was just words.”

I’ve encountered that phrase countless times, especially after watching a certain political figure boast about being able to kiss women without consent and “grab ’em by the you-know-what” simply because he’s “famous.”

Yes, they were “just words,” but that perspective only diminishes their significance if you think words are trivial. The reality? Words carry immense power. They matter — a lot.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Children have leaned on this mantra for ages to shield themselves from verbal bullies. However, thanks to research (and the experiences of anyone who has faced bullying), we now know that this saying is far from true. Verbal bullying alters the brain in ways akin to physical abuse. The emotional pain inflicted on kids — teens and younger children alike — has led some to tragically end their lives to escape it.

So, what is verbal bullying? Just words.

But it’s not only peers whose words can inflict real harm. A report from Harvard University reveals that verbal abuse from parents can be as damaging as physical or sexual abuse in the home. Yes, you read that right: hurtful words directed at a child can inflict as much emotional and psychological harm as physical violence. In fact, the report shows that the effects of verbal abuse can be even more detrimental than witnessing domestic violence or experiencing sexual abuse.

What is verbal abuse? Just words.

Think about the books that have shifted your perspective. Perhaps a novel that moved you to tears or one that left you with goosebumps (shoutout to the thrilling works of Stephen King!). Books have the power to transport us to different realms, evoke profound emotions, and shape our beliefs.

What are books? Just words.

Now, recall Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. It’s a cornerstone of American history that stirred a nation and opened hearts to the quest for racial equality. Many of us can recite parts of it: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

What is a speech? Just words.

And then there’s Hitler’s rhetoric. He was a masterful orator who incited national pride and stoked fear and prejudice against marginalized groups. His speeches fueled a propaganda machine that manipulated a nation into overlooking horrific acts of violence. He issued orders that led to the suffering and deaths of millions, but interestingly enough, he never physically killed anyone himself.

So how is he tied to the atrocities of the Holocaust? Because he wielded the power of his words. Just words.

Words hold weight. They can uplift or wound, heal or harm. They can shape lives, ignite wars, inspire revolutions, or sway a following. They create and transform our individual and collective realities.

So please, don’t tell me that words are inconsequential. Don’t claim that boasting about the ability to assault women contributes nothing to a culture that objectifies them. Don’t suggest that joking about inappropriate advances shouldn’t factor into my assessment of your character. No instance of recorded speech should be dismissed as merely “just words.”

There’s no such thing as “just” words. There are words — loaded with meaning, brimming with power, and inherently influential. Words that matter.

If you’re keen to explore more about the power of language and its impact, check out this insightful post on Intracervical Insemination’s blog. For those interested in the journey of parenthood, you may find the resources at Nichd on pregnancy particularly enlightening. And for a reliable option in home insemination, visit Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit.

To sum it up, words are more than mere sounds; they can change the world in profound ways. So let’s treat them with the respect they deserve.