How mild is darn compared to damn?

[SiCantikManis]

Hello,

I usually hear kids on TV say "darn" instead of "damn"; to express disappointment. And because kids are using it, I got the impression that "darn" isn't as foul as "damn". How true is this?

I need to know because all this while I have been substituting the word "damn" with "darn" so I'd feel less guilty cursing.

Thanks,
Cantik
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[Ralf]

Hi Cantik,

It's a little bit old fashioned, but quite mild. In a sentence such as 'You know darn well what I mean!' you're not swearing like a sailor.

Take care,

Ralf
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[SiCantikManis]

Old fashioned? There I thought it was trendy. I am too young and I don't want to be old fashioned...hmm. But it is better than saying "damn". Do you have any other suggestions?
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[Ralf]

Generally speaking, I don't think it's a good idea to curse too much. Just in case you find it too hard to resist temptation, you could use 'freaking' or 'flipping' or 'bloody'; mild expressing your emotional unrest.
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[Alan]

Hi,

'Damn' 'darn' 'blasted' 'blessed' 'cussed' 'wretched' oh my, there's almost a sweetness in the sound they make when you compare them to the modern equivalents! Come back the 1950s! All is forgiven!

Alan
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[SiCantikManis]

Oh, Ralf, those sound harsher, IMO. I think I need to be really angry to say "bloody". Thanks, anyway. :)

And Alan, I like "wretched"! It is sweet, indeed. Thanks!

XOXO, C.
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Thou shalt not use yours to make the whole world jealous.