Parot Mo!

Observe how a Bicolano or Bicolana verbally expresses his/her disgust or aggression towards another person, whether or not to a fellow Bicolano/Bicolana, and you would most probably hear him/her cuss “Parot mo!” or “Lusi mo!”

“Parot mo” is literally translated as “your smegma!” “Lusi mo!” would refer to the male organ’s foreskin that forms as head-covering to his penis and actually helps secrete smegma.

The bugging questions: Why would the Bicolano or Bicolana particularly use this sexual image as an expletive? What role does the smegma have in the Bicolano psyche that it would merit particular mention in an expression of disgust?

Smegma unmasked

Smegma, from the Greek smēchein (to clean), is a combination of exfoliated (shed) epithelial cells, transudated skin oils, and moisture. In males, smegma helps keep the glans moist and facilitates sexual intercourse by acting as a lubricant.

Both males and females produce smegma. In males, smegma is produced and accumulates under the foreskin; in females, it collects around the clitoris and in the folds of the labia minora.

The physical and medical benefits of smegma

Strictly speaking, smegma helps clean and lubricate the genitals in all healthy animals, humans included. Thomas J. Ritter, MD, co-author of "Say No to Circumcision" underscored the importance of smegma when he said:

“Smegma is probably the most misunderstood, most unjustifiably maligned substance in nature. Smegma is clean, not dirty, and is beneficial and necessary. It moisturizes the glans and keeps it smooth, soft, and supple. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties keep the penis clean and healthy. All mammals produce smegma.”

And perhaps the boldest statement ever made about smegma thus far:

“The animal kingdom would probably cease to exist without smegma.” (“Where Is My Foreskin? The Case Against Circumcision,” by Paul M. Fleiss, MD, Mothering, Winter 1977).

Is smegma indeed useful? Modern medical profession is one in saying that yes, it certainly is. It lubricates the cavity between the foreskin of the penis and the glans, thus allowing smooth movement between them during intercourse. During an erection, the glans increases in size. The foreskin, on the other hand does not change its dimensions. It is yielding enough and thin enough to accept the enlarged glans. Furthermore, the foreskin is pressed backward during intercourse, and on subsidence of erection returns to its normal position. These movements are not entirely passive but are aided by the relaxation of the muscle fibers within the foreskin.

Now, could these movements be comfortably performed if the surfaces between glans and foreskin were dry and harsh? Unfortunately, they could not. There would be difficulty, delay and need for manipulation. Nature has therefore provided a “natural ointment,” -- smegma -- to ensure easy lubrication and protect this delicate region of the male genital organ.

Scientists have found that smegma contains 26.6% fats and 13.3% proteins, which are judged to be consistent with necrotic epithelial debris. Newly produced smegma has a smooth, moist texture and is thought to be rich in squalene and contains prostatic and seminal secretions, desquamated epithelial cells, and the mucin content of the urethal glands. Some state that it contains anti-bacterial enzymes such as lysozyme and hormones such as androsterone. Furthermore, it is found that the incidence of smegma increases from 1% among 6-7 year olds to 8% among 16-17 year olds or an overall incidence of 5%.

The Bicolano concept of smegma

But the Bicolano or Bicolana certainly does not refer to the positive physical uses and medical importance of smegma when he/she uses the word to address a person. In the context of the Bicolano culture, there are only two possibilities that could explain the word’s special inclusion in the Bicolano expletives:

1. It subtly implies that the person addressed to is being addressed to as uncircumcised;
2. Or, it subtly implies that the person addressed to is being addressed to as someone who negates to wash or clean his or her genitals.

In both cases thus, the person being addressed to is addressed to as someone who is “paroton” – literally translated as “full of smegma.” That, in the Bicolano culture and psyche, is one of the most debasing things one could be accused of. It is the highest form of insult one could be labeled with.

In its fresh state, smegma is a wholesome and functional lubricant. But, it should be borne in mind that if it is allowed to accumulate in the foreskin cavity, it becomes changed into an unpleasant, unhealthy, and bad-smelling substance. In addition, foreign material may gain access to the smegma deposit in the form of dirt, dust or sand, and urine and semen. Also, infrequent washing may allow colonization of the preputal space by pathogenic bacteria. Such compact masses of smegma can lead to chronic disease, and even prepare the way for cancerous changes.

The circumcised versus the uncircumcised

Which brings us to the issue of, or the debate between, the circumcised and the uncircumcised.

The circumcised, for the Bicolano/Bicolana, indeed, for the Filipinos in general, is adjudged as definitely much cleaner, more hygienic and healthier than the uncircumcised. The most obvious reason: he is not Paroton or “full of smegma.” He is thus less likely to have smegma accumulation, inflammation, phimosis or adhesions than those who are not circumcised.

This is particularly the image that the Bicolano or Bicolana has at the back of his/her mind when he/she utters the words "parot mo!" or “Paroton ka!” A Paroton means an uncircumcised male; a Paroton is unpleasant and is bad-smelling. More than that, a Paroton, mainly because he is uncircumcised, is an incomplete man, “does not belong with US who are circumcised” and is therefore an outcast. He is a shame to the male specie and deserves to be ostracized, to be banished to the smelly land of the Parotons.

There is currently a growing clamor especially among medical practitioners in America and Europe against the practice of circumcision. As early as 1971 for instance, the American Academy of Pediatrics had declared, “there is no valid medical reasons whatsoever for circumcision.” The negative consequences of circumcision are currently especially magnified and given more weight which contributed to the rapid decline of circumcision in America and Europe. A few years ago, the US government reported that the intact rate for 2003 had already climbed to 60%. It would be safe to assume that in all probability, that percentage may have had climbed higher as of this writing.

To which the Bicolano provides an answer which can be considered as not only most poignant, literal and graphic but also replete with tremendous hermeneutico-sociologic undertones:

“Mga paroton kamo!”