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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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Are you decent?
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1
2013/12/19 - 4:51am

The show Mad Men took place in 1960s America.

A boy (about 10 years old) knocks on the door of his girlfriend to ask permission to enter.

'Are you decent?' he calls through the door, meaning if she is properly dressed to see him.

Is that polite expression outdated now? Was it even realistic in the 1960s ?

Guest
2
2013/12/19 - 7:39am

My wife says it frequently when she has our grandchildren outside the bathroom door and I am inside.   But we were both raised in the 60s when it was very "realistic."   I don't really think it is outdated even now but, except for the times I just described, I'm not often in situations to hear or use it.

deaconB
744 Posts
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3
2013/12/19 - 9:53am

It was probably more useful in an era of large families.  

I know of many singles and couples who never close the bathroom door, and others who only do so to control humidity when showering.

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4
2016/01/16 - 8:42pm

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038559/
Gilda (1946)
Rita Hayworth ... Gilda Mundson
George Macready ... Ballin Mundson

Ballin Mundson: Gilda, are you decent?
Gilda: Me?
[long pause]
Gilda: Sure. I'm decent.

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