Comment by Obligatonym

I've been meaning to ask, is Tareth saying "gosh" instead of "God" deliberate? If so, is it because it makes little sense in story for her to say God? Or is it because you want to avoid blaspheming, no matter how slight? Or is it just some other reason?

Reply by Shazzbaa

Tareth's use of "gosh/omigosh" is very intentional - that's just how she talks! :") There are plenty of people who just... straight up use "gosh" as their strongest exclamation, and she's one of them. xD I think what words people choose as expletives kind of says something about them, and you can't just bump a word down to a less severe version without changing something about that person. Sev is the kind of person who'll yell "crap" even when he's legitimately upset, whereas it's difficult to imagine such a juvenile word leaving Esra's mouth.

But SINCE YOU ASKED - yes! I am, in fact, ALSO avoiding casual use of "God" as an expletive. It's not a world thing -- the main religion of the area does have a god, and there's been one use of "Thank God" in the comic -- but moreso the fact that "oh my god" is considered so mild when it's... actually one of the only exclamations that could be called using the Lord's name in vain? So I thought it would be cool to make at least one story where it's not used casually. c: That's more important to me than avoiding swears, haha.

But the sort of person who'd say "oh my god" isn't the same kind of person who'd say "oh my gosh," so it usually just means thoughts are reworded or expressed differently. :")

</Shazz rambles about word choice>

Reply by Jeweleya

I ALSO THINK ABOUT THIS A LOT actually since voice and word choice define characters so well, and when you have their voices well-established breaking their pattern can have a great effect. I look forward to seeing more of Runewriters, and I love all the work you've put into it! :)

Reply by Obligatonym

I guessed it had something to do with basic character voice, but thought I might as well ask in case there was a larger reason. I'm glad I did, given how delighted you seemed to be to have an excuse to ramble on about word choice.

I've never seen "oh my god" or its derivatives as all that with the taking the Lord's name in vain. Though that might just be because of my lack of religious beliefs. On the other hand, now that I think about it, I'm prone to using "gosh" far more than "god". But that's probably more to do with how the word tastes in my mouth than anything else.

Reply by Tehbeefer

I saw this question and I'd also noticed, but Tareth just seemed like the type to say omigosh. She's blonde, yes, but, that's just not her style. "Oh my god", even when not done in the style of the valley-girl stereotype, seems a bit too urban for Tareth, if that makes sense.

On the other hand, I wonder what expletives fall from Jonan's lips? (well obviously none now, so maybe its a moot point) Jonan seems too proud of his refined, educated nature to swear like a sailor, but too cranky for something pompous and empty. So...he probably just uses whatever common utilitarian curses abound, no need to get fancy.
I guess that leaves only Quentin or Iavin to swear by Grabthar's Hammer, though if Quentin does you can bet it'll be full of whimsy.

Reply by Autzormin

Hmm, perhaps he simply wouldn't swear? Maybe he'd make a sarcastic comment about the situation. Or cross his arms, shake his head, and sigh loudly. I say this because he seems like the type who would consider himself "above the crudity of the masses."

Reply by Nziz

Ha ha, Grabthar's Hammer. *internet points*