What the hell are you doing?

[Walt Whitman]

Yesterday morning, one of my students (13 years old) came up to me and asked me, “Mr Whitman, what’s the difference between <What are you doing?> and <What the hell are you doing?> / <Go away!> / <Get the hell out of here!>” I’m aware that the word “hell” might possibly be inappropriate for some people. I’m also aware that it is definitely inappropriate at school. I’d like to know how strong the word is nowadays. Some advice as to how explain it in good taste would be very much appreciated.
WW

[Beeesneees]

Tell it like it is.
Explain that when used in that sense, it is a swear word which some people will find offensive, so it should be avoided, especially in the company of young people, old people and in places such as school.

This is a slightly different situation, but when I have to deal with incidences of swearing, I explain to the pupils that I realise I can't tell them not to swear, because some of them will do it anyway. However, I would explain that if I've done my job I've given them the ability to recognise when the company is inappropriate for swearing. I give them a 'rule of thumb' that if they think it might upset someone and cause offence, then they certainly should not use it... and then I explain that ultimately, in my classroom/school, if it doesn't offend anyone else, it offends me.

They seem to appreciate the frankness.
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Cheers m' dears!