It seems that "fichu" would mean "fixed" but that's not much of an expletive A number of the sites mentioned the French scorn of English swearing. They call the Brits "Goddams" because of frequency with which the Lord's name is taken in vain. Incidentally, I have a hazy recollection that "vain" is related to both "wind" and "cursing". I suspect "inveigh" may be in the family.NicholasW, where are you?