The word 'Decadent'

I have been using the word without realizing that I have never actually looked it up. Think about the word for a bit. What images or feelings does this word evoke in you? Do you have a feeling for the word? What do you think it means; based on it's popular use in Pop Culture. I remember deserts being referred to or named 'Decadence' or 'Decadent'. Often affluent lifestyle is described as decadent. I have referred to time spent with me as a decadent indulgence. Well, at the time of this writing I would like to argue the definition as it is written. I love the word, and want to continue to use it with the context I had originally inferred. Hear my protest, as I am passionate about this word and absolutely withdraw from it's actual definition.

Read on for what I found, that is if you were not clear as to what the real interpretation of the word Decadent is.




dec•a•dent

dec•a•dent [dékəd'nt]
adj
1. in decline: undergoing a process of decline or decay, especially in morals
2. immoral: showing uninhibitedly or immorally self-indulgent behavior


[Mid-19th century. < French décadent < décadence (see decadence)] -dec•a•dent•ly, , adv Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

I can't believe that yet another wonderful word which wets the tongue and pleases the ear, could be weighted down with the anoxic, vile toxin of a word---morality. The word morality, itself, destroyed along with any word that could even loosely be linked to sex or sexuality. Please! Can we just enjoy the pleasures of the body and this earth without the dictionary making a mess of the symbols of our souls speech; the written word. Such power is held in each and every letter, so why wreck a beautiful word and bring down it's power with colonial bondage. No shackles needed when the bonds are in the mind.

I revoke the power of the words immorality and morality when in the same conversation as sex, sexuality, or any divine luxury meant to be explored and worshipped while we are so lucky to be in a body that feels. Decadence in my universe means the ultimate in indulgent pleasure with no bounds and no remorse.