My apologies to sensitive ears, but I just said, "Hooker!" in a mezzo-piano volume just moments ago. It seems two kernels from one of those dime-bag sized things of 100-calorie popcorn fell to the ground while tossing a fistful in my mouth. That was like one-30th of a point on Weight Watchers, so I was mildly upset.
I have an odd collection of ... Well, I'm trying to think of the most appropriate short version of "exclamatory phrase substitutes for cuss words."
As many of us know, doling out cuss words is NOT appropriate in many situations. However, many folks feel compelled to utter, shout or groan something after ramming their big toe into the corner of the bed while making it up, spilling Diet Coke on the only off-white diamond of your argyle sweater vest or, like me, pouting over popcorn gone rogue.
In lieu of the more offensive four-letter words, some folks say "darn" or "dagnabbit" or "dang." I occasionally say "dangit."
But I also say things like "hooker" and "mother of pearl." Not sure why. Another popular one is "Lawsy," which I tend to reserve for when someone tells me something surprising. For example:
Someone: "Paris Hilton is adopting."
Me: "A child?"
Someone: "Yes."
Me. "Lawsy!"
What are some of your mild, hopefully non-offensive exclamatory phrases? I feel like I need some new ones, just in case I drop popcorn again in earshot of someone who used to be a prostitute.
Peace, love and *$%@! ... XOXO
Only active print or digital subscribers of the Tulsa World are allowed to post comments on stories posted to Tulsaworld.com. After you fill out the form below and click submit, your comment will be published instantly online along with your screen name.
By clicking "Submit" you are agreeing to our terms and conditions.
