Holy crap!
Ever since I started dating Guy Fenner, many years ago, and continuing with Kris, I've tried to stop with the casual cursing that vomits from my mouth. It hasn't been easy, and I certainly haven't been completely successful, but the wave of friends' kids has made me try harder. I've had more success recently with Mirabelle and Danger underfoot echoing every word said, as well as Andy's positive influence. I'd like to think so, anyway.
I don't know that I'm totally comfortable with my choice of replacement words, though. I think "crap" is fine. And exclaiming "rats!' isn't going to offend anyone. "Dang" is also good, as are "phooey!" and "pbth!" and maybe, but I'm not sure, "what the?" is okay, except not, since you know what the next word is.
The only I'm having the most problems with right now, however, is my expression of "holy crap!"
I mean, it sounds good, and all. It comes out frequently and all. But, is it okay to use? Is the use of "holy" in front of "crap" going to offend my religious friends? I certainly don't want to offend them on something as silly as an expression called out in surprise. But, is crap that is holy as offense as using "jesus Christ!" as an expression of frustration?
Eh, I don't know.