Australians and their use of 'bad language'

[WillowTheWhisp]

The Aussies don't actually mean it as abuse though Declan. It's even used between friends in normal friendly banter or just simple conversation.

I remember the response from a school teacher I had many years ago when a pupil said she was late because she had 'missed the bloody bus'. The teacher's reaction was one of shock and horror - but then she added. "I don't blame you at all Patricia. I would have avoided a bus covered in blood too. It must have been quite an unnerving experience. Do sit down dear child."

I'm not saying it stopped the girl swearing but it did make her think about the literal meaning of the words she used.

Similarly when a lad used the f word to describe his missing history book the teacher's response was. "I know there is a shortage of text books dear boy but I wasn't aware that we were attempting to breed them."

[MargaretR]

Amusing anecdote Willow - perhaps more teachers with such wit would improve standards in spoken English.
Many english speaking countries have a different way of using the language. We already know that many words used in the US have a different meaning here.
I recall a time when I worked with an Ulsterman. His language was never 'foul' but I can only describe it as 'over embellished' - ie - he used 6 words when 3 would do - I did find it irritaing at times waiting for him to get to the point (and waiting to use our shared phone)