Do you solemnly swear...?

As my mom reacted to some stimulus or other, it occurred to me that she was giving a rather good go at swearing. I believe there was a 'god damn' playing within earshot of me.

I've had my moments in the past, the teen and college years where every phrase must include 'fuck' in order for one to continue with whatever it is they are saying. Or rather 'fucking,' or 'fuckin.' Fucking fuckin fuck.

You reach a certain age, and that stuff fades out of your language - or hopefully fades out. It is sorta not good form to be tossing f bombs around liberally as your 2 year old is developing her language skills.

I'm reminded of one time when T, me, and our eldest - somewhere around 3 - are heading for my in laws home. T is driving, and a driver sorta kinda pulls out in front of her. This prompted a quick and decisive 'ass hole!' outburst.

Now adults are used to such commentary, we have an idea of wherefrom the frustration stems. I chose to be mute. There is a few seconds of silence. and out of the back seat, from the car seat back seat, comes a legitimate question: "mommy, why is he an ass hole?" Good call, R!

Now I'm 53, kidlets are no younger than 16, and no longer actively in my presence. They are of an age where language would be at its most colourful, one designed for friends, one designed for parents, and eventually the two merge, much to the consternation and increasing resignation of parents, inversely proportional to their age.

So they aren't the issue. Nope, it is my soon to be (28 August) 80 year old mom. She swears more than me. A lot more. Go figure.