The odd expletive escapes most people's mouths in times of stress, but when we fall back on swear words just for effect have we really just run out of ideas, asks Clive James.

a plea for not puritanism but a little quality language
I regard Gordon Ramsey and his incessant swearing as the worst sort of bully
an essay about shock value, its diminishing returns and a plea for a wider range of registers, subtlety and nuance
I swear and I am no puritan but I love language and ideas and would contrast Oscar Wilde's wit and cutting remarks that still bring a smile, using language as a rapier, with Gordan Ramsey's blitzkreig storm signifying nothing, not adding to the world, just adding to his own cult - he is "the expert" and that somehow legitimates his behaviour - he (and Simon Cowell) are Emperors with no clothes. (I got off the subject but nevermind - a little rant)

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