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Original poster

Is bloody hell swearing?

97 replies

Namechangeforthisonenow · 04/08/2022 20:15

I think it's a soft swear word but DH says it's not swearing at all.

Just wondering what the majority think?

(I'm not comparing with other swear words fyi)

OP posts:
VerySmallClanger · 04/08/2022 20:16

Yes, but mildly.

Briandouglas · 04/08/2022 20:16

My parents use to say it was a swear word… until Harry Potter at which point it wasn’t lol

LarryUnderwood · 04/08/2022 20:16

Soft swear. I wouldn't let my kids say it. I would say it in front of my MIL. That's my gauge!

OoglyMoogly · 04/08/2022 20:20

Very soft now. It used to be a profanity when it was first used but it's now as harsh as "horlicks" or "fudge!"

Surplus2requirements · 04/08/2022 20:59

In my mind it's far milder than substituting a strong swear word with something neutral when everyone knows what word you're not saying

balalake · 04/08/2022 21:01

Yes but there are much worse.

WingBingo · 04/08/2022 21:05

I’ve always wondered if we could take the power out of swear words

not sure how though. Can’t see a casual cunt being thrown into everyday conversations.

upinaballoon · 04/08/2022 21:05

Bloody is a corruption of 'By my lady', swearing on the name of the Virgin Mary. It is swearing and it is blasphemy.

Shroedy · 04/08/2022 21:07

Yes - wouldn't have said it in front of my parents as a child and would only just about do so now, but it is about as mild as they come!

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 04/08/2022 21:13

OoglyMoogly · 04/08/2022 20:20

Very soft now. It used to be a profanity when it was first used but it's now as harsh as "horlicks" or "fudge!"

No it's not! Kids would be reprimanded at school for saying bloody hell and quite rightly so as it's a swear word.

Oldrockingchair · 04/08/2022 21:17

WingBingo · 04/08/2022 21:05

I’ve always wondered if we could take the power out of swear words

not sure how though. Can’t see a casual cunt being thrown into everyday conversations.

I happily chuck the word cunt into many conversations 😃

Gobbolinothekitchencat · 04/08/2022 21:49

Apparently, it is in fact blasphemy, according to my in laws.

Violettaa · 04/08/2022 21:51

No idea if it’s technically swearing (what’s the definition?).

But as a rule of thumb, I’d use it at work l, but not with small children.

SpottyStripyDuvet · 04/08/2022 21:55

I think it is mild swearing. I wouldn't say it to my 6 year old but I would to a colleague or my parents. I happily use much stronger swear words but only with DH and my friends.

buzzy06 · 04/08/2022 22:00

No it's not! Kids would be reprimanded at school for saying bloody hell and quite rightly so as it's a swear word.

Kids aren't reprimanded for exclaiming bloody hell. What, do you think they're given detention for that? The teacher will probably muster an 'oi, Charlie, alright now'.

No, it's not a swear word anymore than 'shoot' is a swear.

BlackbirdsSinging · 04/08/2022 22:01

Yes

buzzy06 · 04/08/2022 22:02

If you wouldn't censor it, it's not a swear word.

Beefilm · 04/08/2022 22:05

Of course it is. Which is not to say I don't say it 20 times an hour, even in front of my Mil or at work. But yes, it is swearing.

Kite22 · 04/08/2022 22:07

Yes

RichardMarxisinnocent · 04/08/2022 22:09

I'd class it as the mildest of swearing. Like a PP I'd use it at work, but not in the presence of small children.

On a slight tangent, I have seen the word "bleddy" used on MN in what seems to be the same context bloody might be used in. Is this a regional version of bloody? Or a completely different word?

Letshoptoit · 04/08/2022 22:10

Definitely swearing!
Wouldn’t say in front of my parents even now. Would say it at work though!

Chewbecca · 04/08/2022 22:10

Yes, it’s swearing. Wiki describes it as an ‘expletive’.

hugoagogo · 04/08/2022 22:12

Of course it's swearing.

RichardMarxisinnocent · 04/08/2022 22:13

I have just googled (no idea why it didn't occur to me to do that before) and found it's a South African version of bloody.

zurala · 04/08/2022 22:13

Definitely swearing. But mildly.