The only “cuss-word” my granddaddy ever used was “Aw Pshaw!’ I always thought it was a Deepstep made-up word. My Merriam-Webster dictionary actually says, No. it is real; “to express irritation, disapproval, contempt, or disbelief.” So, I stand corrected. He was on to something. I think I heard it used at the rise of any one of those definitions!
I have come across a term that broadens the field of acceptable epithets of vituperation which could include anything from cussin’. to culinary descriptions, to cures, comforts—and more. The term—-“Pickle Juice.” You bang your finger; instead of shouting a blue streak of cuss words, you shout, “Pickle Juice!” Or you bought a tough piece of meat; you are out of tenderizer, so you grab Pickle Juice—actual pickle Juice as tenderizer . A surprise freeze hits and ice is on your windshield; again—-the pickle juice solution. See? it works for vocabulary as well as for life problems.
You can’t make this stuff up!! Except for my lame substitute for cussing, all examples above are touted for such uses. For real. One source describes more than a dozen uses for—-pickle juice. They range from popsicles, meat tenderizing and indigestion cure, to weed killer and cleaning agent.
Cultures have communication quirks beyond their standard language. It amounts to a subtle language that only that culture understands. Songwriter and musician, Dobie Gray’s 1965 Soul hit, The “In” Crowd describes this phenomenon very well. So, with tongue-in-cheek, I propose a subtle substitute “cuss word:’ “Pickle Juice!” It allows vocal expression as emphatic as you care to make it.
Broadening the field of use, lies a plethora of choices. You can sound like natural chef in food conversations. During a culinary discussion you can casually comment, “Oh, you could add Pickle Juice to that….” or “Pickle Juice will do wonders there.” if someone questions your usage, you can always say, “Innovative Chefs like to experiment with lots of things. Some prefer exotic ingredients.”
At the very least, Pickle Juice tossed into a conversation has the unique possibility of lightening the tone. I recently read an article that offered ideas for doing just that when negative people darken the tone. Recently some of my friends have distanced themselves from negative conversation, or contacts. This is another opportunity to use Pickle Juice:—–just say “Oh Pickle Juice!” And go on to a higher level.
https://picklelicious.com/17-uses-for-pickle-juice/
Farmer’s Almanac https://www.farmersalmanac.com/uses-for-pickle-juice-28005
Healthline https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/drinking-pickle-juice