Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

Taboo intensifiers

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Taboo expressions are frequently used as intensifying adverbs or adjectives. The

words bloody and fucking are especially common in this function. When these are

used as adverbs, post-intensifier well is often used for further emphasis:

Where’s the 

bloody key? (*)

That’s 

fucking marvellous, that is, isn’t it? It’s fucking-well snowing again. (*****)

Unlike shit, fuck and bugger, bloody is not used on its own as an interjection.

Bloody hell!

is the usual interjection form:

Oh 

fuck! I forgot to post that letter. (*****)

(or: Oh shit/bugger! But not: Oh bloody!)

A: Do you know how much they’re going to cost? Hundred thousand pound.

B: Bloody hell! Crazy isn’t it? (**)