[BobK]

Originally Posted by banderas

I am embarrassed to ask but the reason I do it is that I am confused. So who shall I ask if not native speakers. The second reason is that I feel that these expressions are very common. If really offensive, they should not be used to such an extent.


I hear many expressions which my dictionary listed as offensive. So I should not use them or at least be careful where to use them and with whom.That is clear. Usage depends on the situation and circumstances. That is clear too.

I wonder which ones are really offensive and which ones are listed as offensive by my dictionary only? If you are offended by this post just ingnore it, please but it is not my intention to offend anyone.
Here go the words:

1.bu.mer Not too offensive, but quite informal
2. bu.ger Can be offensive, but often used in collocations like 'jammy b....' [='lucky person]. With the same meaning, "jammy" collocates also with "devil", which is quite convenient if you start saying the first one and then think better of it
3. s.it Depends on company, and whether the word is used figuratively - if it means 'annoying bureaucracy' or 'insincere dealing' (as in 'Don't give me that s... - I know what you really mean'') it's less offensive than if it means "excrement". Safer for use with friends, or in other informal contexts.
4. da.n Quite mild; some would think it old-fashioned when used as a stand-alone swear word ("d... you"), but it's in current use in the expression 'give a d...' [=care]
6. basta.d, said to or about someone As for 2 - collocates with "jammy". Also "silly b...." is a fairly mild (sometimes jocular) all-purpose term of abuse.
...

No time for more today. [I'm ducking out before I get to the ones you should really avoid ]

b