The Use of Foul Language

I'm not a fan of foul language. It's not that I don't know the words. I received a thorough education in this subject while in the Service. The main reason I resist using this kind of language is that English is rich enough to express even the strongest thoughts in elegant English.

I'm not lily pure. I'll utter an exclamation now and then when something doesn't go well for me; however, the expression is usually to scold myself for having done something stupid.

It's demeaning for a person to say something vulgar, obscene, or blasphemous in the earshot of family members or fellow workers no matter what the provocation. Though I'm of an advanced age, I cannot say that I've been the victim of a great deal of unpleasant language. This may be because of the environment in which I've lived and worked. Certain other surroundings might have been much more distasteful.

There are many TV programs that are virtually not understandable because so many of the words are bleeped out. The conversations sound more like the playing of the Anvil Chorus than of the exchange of information.

I like the word balderdash a lot. It sounds vulgar but is not. The word means nonsense. I'm hopeful that, at some future time, I'll have the opportunity to say, "Sir, I must say that what you are telling me is nothing but a good deal of balderdash." If I were more bold, I might try, "Sir, it is my considered opinion that what you are saying can be compared to the excrement of the bovine species."

Let them figure that out!