The Mechanics and Rhetoric of Conversation : Page 39

There seems to be a curious reflex in human nature that insists on popping out expletives. The uncouth will pop them coarse, the civilized will emit shadows thereof. Since this tendency is so deeply rooted, it would be unwise to rule out all expletives. Who knows, but for the relieving expletive, a capillary would burst instead 1 Consequently, we merely rule out altogether all profane and sinful expletives, and place a rigorous curtailment on all others. An occasional dad-burn, lawdy, gee-whillikins, crickey, begorrah, or bejabers will not cripple anyone's speech, or, in the right setting, offend or tire any normal listener. However, a frequent use of these epithets and any of their hundred brethren is a conversational blemish no gracious, lively, ready, Pauline Christian may permit himself.