Euphemism or Expletive

There comes a time when there is a need for either an expletive or a euphemism arising from an unexpected event, for instance. Perhaps one form or another is called for to describe something that occurred in the past. In any case, some strong expression is called for and the strength of the expression as well as the choice between expletive or euphemism has to be determined. In many of these times, an instantaneous decisions needs to be made. The particular event demands immediate reaction and there is not the luxury of time to determine whether a expletive or a euphemism more is appropriately befitting of the surroundings. Given the reality that should one, while hanging dry wall, for instance, manage to nail one’s finger to a stud, Oh Shoot! Just won’t work. If you desire to make the point the Michelle Bachman is a fucking idiot (I know, I promised no politics) or Newt Gingrich fucked up his campaign, or why the fuck did Ron Paul write those articles; somehow euphemisms don’t seem to work very well. While my intent is not to emulate Richard Pryor, George Carlin, or Lenny Bruce, it would be interesting to try to determine if the need for expletives in somehow part of our DNA. It appears that the chimps who have learned sign language might use some form of expletives in their daily conversations. I also learned there are actually expletives in sign language. However, I don't know if an signed expletive would have a similar effect as a spoken expletive. There have been studies that the appropriate use of expletives act actually relieve pain. (This means that oh shit would be a better choice than the oh shoot choice previously mentioned.) One other consideration should also be discussed. When the choice is made for a euphemism rather than an expletive, is there any weight given to intent? In law, intent can be the difference between 1st degree and manslaughter but what about language? If you choose the euphemism but are really thinking the expletive do you get a pass? Studies that have shown that expletives can mediate pain also demonstrate that euphemisms do not have the same effect. You probably already know that if you've ever hit your finger with a hammer. This leads me to the following reference: http://www.paxacidus.com/why-fuck-is-the-best-word-pax.php. This says it better than I can. Finally, a story: When my son was around three years old he came to me and said he had a serious problem. When I asked him to tell ma about the problem he said, “my mom won’t allow me to say fuck, what can I say instead?” That was over forty years ago and long before I began contemplating the euphemism of expletive issue. I confess that my answer may not have been socially appropriate but none the less, I told him that when he had the urge or the need to use words like that he should go to his room and close the door. There in the privacy of his room, where he was the “master of his own domain” he could say anything he wished. Apparently that must have worked since he has never again voiced the need to decide between expletive or euphemism. He has mastered the ability to make the most appropriate choice regardless of the situation, circumstance, or surroundings. His choice is based upon whichever feels best.