porno as a count noun

[Dan Goodman]

Ann Burlingham wrote:
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> Sender:       American Dialect Society <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
> Poster:       Ann Burlingham <ann at BURLINGHAMBOOKS.COM>
> Subject:      Re: porno as a count noun
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> On Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 10:29 AM, Neal Whitman <nwhitman at ameritech.net> wrote:
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>> Sender:       American Dialect Society <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
>> Poster:       Neal Whitman <nwhitman at AMERITECH.NET>
>> Subject:      Re: porno as a count noun
>> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> I've heard 'porno' as a count noun meaning specificaly a pornographic movie
>> only a few times. I don't remember exactly where, but it always struck me as
>> odd. I figured it must just be common usage among makers and consumers of
>> pornographic movies.
>>
>> I also noticed that the ads (at least here in central Ohio) are trying to
>> ditch the 'porno', and found this explanation:
>
> When I lived in Columbus, a guy at a party complained that his
> girlfriend "had made him throw away all his pornos" before they moved
> - from the context, I gathered this was his porn collection, I thought
> mostly magazine, possibly movies, too. Everyone seemed to understand
> what he meant. I was struck at the time by the usage, but I have heard
> (and used) it since.
>
> That would be from 8-12 years ago, I'd say.

"As for 'controversial' songs and albums nominations, an ancient album
from early 70's "Freakin' at the Freaker's Ball' by Shel Silverstein has
tracks like 'Don't Give A Dose To The One You Love Most' and 'I Saw
Polly In A Porno With a Pony'"


--
Dan Goodman
"I have always depended on the kindness of stranglers."
Tennessee Williams, A Streetcar Named Expire
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