Are we "Childish" or "Child-like"?

[m-jean03]

Poll question: Are we "Childish" or "Child-like"?

The former being an insult, the latter generally a compliment --often used to describe artistic or spiritual individuals. However, the line doesn't always seem so clear to me. Here in the DU Lounge, for example, there is a lot of behavior that could really be seen in both lights. As I am a relative newcomer, I thought I would poll the people and see how they felt about it all.

[SarahB]

1. Child-like

I think sometimes in the face of this often dark, dreary, dysfunctional world, we need a bit of silliness (or more than a bit) to retain our sanity.

:bounce:

[m-jean03]

7. I agree, Sarah Belle! WE ALSO NEED GOOD MUFF

INS to eat, don't we?? :P

[SarahB]

10. Actually, I'd love a good DICK

INS novel personally. :7
You crack me up. (No crack puns please!)

[m-jean03]

12. I LOVE TO LOSE MYSELF WITH A NICE LONG DICK

ENS novel, when the world just seems too much. :-)

[SarahB]

15. I'd say it's the broad WIDTH

of the dimension within many of his characterizations that creates that classic, timeless appeal.

[indigobusiness]

2. Oh, that we were childlike

and not childish.

Jesus urged the former, but we chose the latter.

vini vidi vicci

(or something like that)

[Donkeyboy75]

3. Childish

I couldn't in good conscience say that I was anything other than an immature potty mouth who thinks farts are hilarious.

[m-jean03]

9. You my friend, are definitely childish.

This poll, however, was for the adults... :P

[Insider]

4. 'gimme that star back' LOL

"Poll Option of the 1/4 Century" congratulations.

what was the question again? :shrug:

[m-jean03]

8. Thank you!

But I don't know if that is a compliment or not! :-)

[Westegg]

5. It's a good question and an interesting distinction...

...although the line between them is often quite vague or even non-existent.

I'd say "child-like" is one who acts that way because he/she can't help it, whereas "childish" suggest someone who should know better, because he/she is an adult.

But it's often not that simple.

Because I've been thinking about him recently, what was Jackson Pollock when he pissed on the floor at a party full of NYC art swells? First, he was an alcoholic. Given. Second, though: child-like or childish?

I'd ponder this more, but I ain't got the time. I've been drinking, and I'm to the gents'...

[m-jean03]

6. Hey Westegg--

Good answer, and interesting questions! :-)

I don't know, about Jackson Pollock! If it was MY floor, I'd say "childish"!

Good luck on your gum surgery! I get my wisdom teeth out this year. :-(

[TrogL]

13. I think there's further distinctions

There's child-like appreciation of the beauty of simple things.

There's also child-like bluntness (Mommy, why is the lady fat) that I prefer to call "bloodymindedness".

[m-jean03]

14. excellent points n/t

[TrogL]

11. A lot of beers short of a six-pack

[m-jean03]

16. OKKKayyy... who's voting #3??

:-)

[Whitacre D_WI]

17. Me.

I am SO ignoring you.

[arwalden]

18. Child Like Implies That You Have No Choice... No Control.

Childish, seems to imply that you know better and you can consciously behave in a different manner, yet you choose not to.

I'm childish. Sometimes.

-- Allen