Yes I Call My Children Mutants, Don't You?

Amoeba Proteus mutant brain squeeze

I got a lot of grief the other day from a friend for replying to her question of whether the boys would be free for an event, "I'll have to see what the mutants on up to that day."

You call your children mutants?

Why, yes I do.

You see, around here that's a total term of affection, it's not derogatory, nor demeaning   If you are remotely and X-Men fan, you'll understand.

Mutants are special. And my little mutant super heroes are particularly special and dear to me. My sons embrace their spectacular brand of mutant-ness as well, if not better, than I do.

I could likely get away with saying "hey zombie-brains, come here," or "ninja bubs, get ready for school."  Those phrases just don't feel as fitting as mutants, but would still be well received.

We also call people in our family crack-heads (it's a Kentucky thing) and are not suggesting they are drug addicts or have plumber pants.  Again, it's a term of endearment and clearly understood to us, not always to the outside world.

Family slang, also referred to as "kitchen lingo," or by formal definition neologism, is quite common, but also quite commonly misunderstood, frowned upon, or simply thought as silly.

I could change my questionable kitchen lingo ways, but I like that my family has its own unusual language, even if I have to find myself in a position to defend it, from time to time.

Do you and your children use family slang?  What are your thoughts on this common quirk?