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Topic : Re: How to write cleanly even if my character uses expletive language? I'm writing a story that I'd like younger readers to pick up. I and they know and understand that some situations are far - selfpublishingguru.com

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Some suggestions: Tommy slammed the door on Charlie's fingers. Charlie exploded with:

some very colorful/ripe language.
language that would make a sailor blush.
language that made/would make his mother blush.

You could also use some an euphemism (especially if your character is foreign/has a unique personality). Also has the added bonus of making an iconic catchphrase like:

OH, by Toutatis! (Asterix and Obelix)
Billions of bilious blue blistering barnacles! (Captain Haddock, Tintin)
Ten thousand thundering typhoons! (Captain Haddock, Tintin)

More curses from Captain Haddock: www.tintinologist.org/guides/lists/curses.html 101 Cuss word alternatives: wehavekids.com/parenting/101-Great-Cuss-Word-Alternatives
By indirect reference:
(after swearing, by another character)

"Such language!"
"You should be ashamed of your language!"
"Is this how your mother taught you to speak?"

Use Grawlixes like in comics: &#$%#@!*&

And, my personal favorite (never fails to crack people up):
replace "you fucking idiot" with "you uneducated potato"


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