>>My thinking is that you got the A not just for the content, but for the manner of presentation, since it was an oral presentation. Similarly, in a written paper, your grade depends not just on what you say, but how you say - grammar, spelling, etc.
>
>I can give you that. EIther way, I think that most High School teachers are as de-sensitized to "cussin'" as the students are. JMO.

My thoughts are that obscenities are basically used when your vocabulary is runs out. As we all know, words have no intrinsic meaning, so the word itself is neither offensive nor appealing. However, down south, you can get a free nights lodging for using the "wrong" words at the wrong time. Ratzafratzit has become my favorite obscenity, since it exudes emotion, yet offends few.