Do I find the use of expletives in films, books, etc. irritating? Sometimes. The purpose of expletives, surely, is to show extreme emotion. I have been known to turn the air the deepest shade of blue imaginable when I hit my head again on the hanging lamp my landlord is so fond of just outside my door. Unfortunately in films the words often seem to be used not to express emotion but to arouse it. If the acting is convincing I don't really notice the expletives; if it isn't they're just irritating. Similarly with unclothed scenes, if they are acted well, yes, fine. If not, which is usually the case, I just think, "Do get on with it and let's get back to the story."
Another point, in books v. films. There are a lot more words in books and so expletives are, I think, a lot less obtrusive. Also imagining the scene, one doesn't have to worry about acting ability...
Another b***** lunch time taken up with AWAD!
Bingley
