Quote of the Day: Ed Brayton on profanity

Yes, it’s another post in defense of using naughty words to convey meaning that regular writing can’t quite communicate. From Ed Brayton over at Dispatches From the Culture Wars:

One cliche that always irritates me is when people say something to the effect that "those who use profanity just show the limitations of their own vocabulary." The proper response to such drivel is, obviously, "Oh, fuck you." I have an excellent vocabulary, thank you very much, and I doubt anyone would deny that. But sometimes profanity expresses an idea with a clarity and emphasis that other words do not.

The use of profanity in writing is much like the use of spices during cooking. Used appropriately and with control, they add much to the dish; used in excess and without finesse, they can make the final result inedible (or unreadable).

Correct on every point, particularly the “excellent vocabulary” bit (derp). Added to my Random Quotes.