Words: Saerk

Saerk (saerk) – vulgar

Verb:

1. to copulate
2. to destroy/defeat
3. to betray
4. to scold

Noun:

1. an act of copulation
2. someone/something contemptible

Interjection:

1. a gasp; an expression of dismay, surprise, or joy.

After previously detailing gánc, I thought I’d continue with another vulgarity. Swear words are the soul of any language. Although this version of the word is specific to the late Armen-empire era, it has its roots in the Fourth Age.

It’s wide-spread use begins after the Kza-Lan Empire’s invasion of Westáhal as the verb saecon, meaning to miss or to long for. While its etymology is uncertain, it is speculated that the word is derived from one of the northern Davan dialects, likely from near the Brudun area.

By the War of Liberation, the word has taken on the meaning to copulate with the first person present indicative conjugating to saeca, meaning I copulate. It is also during this period that it is first deemed vulgar. There are unverified stories that it gained its expletive status when Walher du Murgaen used the word to Procurators, as mentioned in The Kingdom of Murgaen.

After the Alluvion, the word continues to maintain its popularity. By the establishment of the first kingdom of Armen, saecon has morphed into saërchon (saɛrʧon), adding the verbal meaning to destroy, as well as the interjection in the process.

The word continues to evolve through the entire Armen period, and under Andrean influence it eventually takes on its final form as saerk. By the end of the Armen Empire, it has added its entire repertoire of meanings. Throughout this entire time the word has continued to be considered vulgar especially during the reign of Empress Measha V, where extreme penalties are introduced (including up to the forced removal of the speaker’s tongue). Yet it remained in popular use, right up to the end of Aneli III’s reign. Then it simply disappears.

The reason for this sudden disuse has been speculated about. Did the Ho-Dari Pacification cause it to fall from favour? Or was it simply replaced by an alternative? There are many that remain in use today, that have their origins from this period. In any case, it is very curious.