“When we say ‘damn,’ it relieves us because it is a strong word, and yet means nothing. We do not intend the person or thing or event that we damn to be burnt in hellfire–far from it. But the faint aroma of brimstone that hangs forever about the word is savory in wrathful nostrils.”
H.W. Fowler, A Dictionary of Modern English Usage (courtesy of Richard Zuelch)
Terry Teachout on the arts in New York City
An ArtsJournal Blog