Joy, 

Nope not blasphemy, blasphemy's words that are irreverent about religious beliefs, icons, etc.  
Not obscenity - that's words of a sexual nature.
Maybe vulgarity fits best - it's mostly "dirty" words like scat and almost always has a bunch of euphemisms.

Pedantically yours,
Rowan

On Mar 27, 2011, at 4:43 PM, Joy Hecht wrote:

> On Sun, Mar 27, 2011 at 5:50 PM, Ben T <syncro@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
>> Side issue: Profanities. I've never been a sailor but swear more than most
>> depending on the company. My position is neutral both as mod and Listmember.
>> For that reason, I have deferred to David B's preference on the matter. And
>> yes, I did notice someone's recent use of the S-word for scat (yes, you Mr.
>> C).
>> 
>> Oh, I love it, does this mean we can say "oh, SCAT!" on the list when
> something truly annoying happens?
> 
> That's really excellent.  I think I'll take to using it in everyday life,
> too!  "Scat" is much more entertaining as a substitute than drat or jeepers
> or any of those other words that replace blasphemy.
> 
> 
> 
> Joy

Blessed be!

Rowan )O(