Rationing use of the f-word in school - an idea only a f---ing bureaucrat could love

the Mail online | Mail - news, sport, showbiz, health and more | You can use the f-word in class (but only five times):

"'Within each lesson the teacher will initially tolerate (although not condone) the use of the f-word (or derivatives) five times and these will be tallied on the board so all students can see the running score,' he wrote in the letter

"'Over this number the class will be spoken to by the teacher at the end of the lesson.'

"Parents called the rule 'wholly irresponsible and ludicrous'."

This is such a spectacularly bad idea that there seems to be little point in adding commentary.

I will say one thing, though, about my own attitude toward the f-word (or derivatives). Used as a synonym for sexual intercourse, I find it more honest and direct. The idea that it is better to use words of Latin origin than those of Germanic origin to discuss the basic workings of the body has long struck me as silly and a denial of our ethnic heritage. OTOH, used as a curse word, it should no more be tolerated than any other such abusive speech. I would rather see schools focus on the content of intemperate speech in an effort to teach considerate conduct among students and staff, but I am hopelessly old-fashioned.