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Summarized by Mike Nielsen
Oh My Heck, Flippin' Fetch Isn't Really Swearing, Is It?
Salt Lake Tribune 29Apr00 N6
By Bob Mims: Salt Lake Tribune
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH -- When you encounter frustrations and hassles, the
irresistible rage builds until you growl: "FUDGE!" In Utah, cussing comes
in its moderate form. But listen closely, and you'll hear "Oh my heck,"
"dang it," "Judas Priest," and "H-E-double toothbpicks!"
This article points out several Mormon substitutes for swearing. Of course,
many of these words build on the "F Word", such as "Flip," "Freak,"
"Fetch," and "Fudge". For example, a Utah resident is quoted telling his
city council that " . . . when it comes to replacing our Police Department,
abso -- flippin' -- lutely you need our permission."
For an official church perspective, an LDS church spokesperson is quoted as
saying that the church "teaches its members to use language that lifts and
inspires others and that honors God's commandment to not take his name in
vain. Church members are encouraged to avoid the use of profanity and any
foul language that shows a lack of respect for God, self and others."
In a lighter vein, a story is told about J. Golden Kimball, a member of the
First Council of the Seventy 100 years ago, who was known for his spicy
language in church talks. Kimball raised the ire of church president Heber
Grant, who asked Kimball to read a speech that Grant had written for a
radio broadcast. Grant hoped that by doing this, Kimball would keep his
tongue in check. After struggling with Grant's handwriting, Kimball said on
the broadcast, "Hell, Heber, I can't read this damn thing."
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