words that make you grit your teeth

[Aggie_Ama]

Beth- I find it curious that you refer to you dad as your natural father. Only because my dad was adopted and refers to his mother and father as "natural", not "biological". My father's natural mother died when he was three, his natural father when he was 10. My grandparents adopted him at eight. I wonder if there is a generational difference, although I am sure you are younger than my dad (born 1953)? His biological parents had 3 sons, he calls them his natural brothers. He does call the one he has become friends with just his brother sometimes.

My friend's ex was also mad when she had her maiden name restored after the divorce. He is still controlling after the divorce and it just really angers him. I am like, jeez she didn't want you why would she want your name??

[mimitabby]

natural vs biological

when the parent is not a contributing member; ie deadbeat dads and even sperm donor dads (another pejorative)
we call them biological.

but if you lose your dad through death and have a stepdad, you might call your real dad "natural"

[OakLeaf]

"natural" is the term that's used in legal proceedings. So if someone's been through a lot of court or administrative proceedings, that's the term she'll have heard all along, and probably the one she'll use herself.