We are closer to agreeing than you think. I agree we all know what they meant. I do not agree it's the same as saying the word. I agree some will be offended and that they have the right to be. I think it's important to be truthful in that they were not swearing. There are loads of words that people substitute because, while it is intended to mean the same thing, it doesn't. I'll spare you and only give one example. Darn it. My pastor will say darn it without batting an eye and he is a by the book Baptist. This man truly spends every day being the best Christian he can, while helping others do the same. Now would it be fair if I told a story saying Pastor said Damn It? It would not because that's not what it means to him.Okay, I am impressed that you do not use that word, you are probably a bit of an anomaly with reference to that, but if you think that is just a single letter, you are thinking in a naive manner. Everybody on planet earth knows exactly what they meant and what were they were implying. I mentioned earlier that I use the word often enough when jibber-jabbing with my friends, or in an automobile when another driver disturbs me, but there has got to be a situation where it shouldn't be used for a matter of respect, especially when you're dumping it out on the internet to millions of people who are of all different understandings.
I also appreciate your acknowledgement, but I cannot take credit I do not deserve. For 44 years I was the biggest offender I've ever met as far as casually dropping the F bomb. I was as unapologetic as a person can be. I was given a 2nd chance at life in July. I acknowledged the miracle I was given and my wife and I were blessed with another miracle the doctors told us was not possible. So, to be accurate, I never use that word now. There's a lot of things I don't do now lol. I'm not here to preach but if anyone, and I mean anyone, ever needs help and feel they no longer can do it alone, please message me. No pressure, no judgement, just me passing along a gift that I never asked for that saved my life. Sorry for the hijack.