We had some lively conversation a few weeks ago about why I call them assholes, and although most folks preferred the use of that mild obscenity to "less offensive language," there are still people who are uncomfortable with the word "asshole,"and even among people who don’t mind using the a-word, let’s fact it, there are times – when kids around, when you are around strangers, at formal occasions, or anytime when you are with people who don’t like dirty talk — that more polite language is in order. The word "jerk" or the phrase "demeaning creep" are decent (if less emotionally compelling) alternatives. And todayI had an interesting exchange with a guy who suggested the acronym TCDP: "A thoroughly contemptible, detestable person," which I think is a nice description of a certified asshole. Although I like the words better than the alphabet soup.