When most people drop the F-bomb, they add the word “f*@k” to the sentence. When I drop the f-bomb, I mean I’m dropping it from the sentence.
I used to use the f-bomb all the time. It is, after all, every part of speech, pronouns to adverbs. The Peevish Penman’s blog site spells it out, adverbs to expletives, The Nine Parts of Speech and the F-Word. It’s funny, worth the read; my favorite example is prepositions. J
But I read once that using the f-word was a sign of hidden anger. A quick analysis of the times I was inspired to use it confirmed that. I’m pretty passionate when I use the word, and yes anger has been part of that word selection at times.
I also use the word when I’m excited—or surprised! It’s more about the intensity of the situation. It’s like the word “douche.” You only call someone a douche when they’ve done something extremely lousy and crass. F*@k is kind of the same way. It represents an extremeness; intensity; a uniting of energy released in a word that invokes a myriad of reactions.
Being a speaker/trainer, I don’t use the word professionally. Too many variables and interpretations; too many people with time to be offended. My friends, however, have heard me use the word plenty. Too much, I think. So I’ve dropped it from my vocabulary. (Except for today when I had a minor relapse and used it in every sentence on a 10 minute tirade. Phewh…that felt good.) And now I’m dropping it again.
There are plenty of other words to choose.