Charis expresses her disdain for vulgar language, particularly words like "shit," and finds them distasteful. Despite Roz's playful suggestions, she dismisses them, calling them juvenile and unacceptable. When Tony proposes a more detached term related to bodily functions, Charis feels it lacks warmth and connection, reflecting her aversion to the coldness of academic language.

Instead, she considers the notion of referring to these natural processes in a more meaningful way, hinting at a desire for respect and reverence for the body and its functions. This illustrates her struggle to find an appropriate and respectful language in discussing fundamental aspects of life, showcasing Atwood's thematic exploration of language and perception in "Stone Mattress: Nine Tales."