Proficiency in another language is always helpful, particularly when a discrete profanity is required. In a life not always well spent mixing with soldiers of multiple nationalities in exotic locations, discovering new swear words has proved a valuable education.

What passes as unacceptably profane in one language may be acceptable in another particularly when the words are unfamiliar to the listener.

It’s also handy to have tucked away some alternatives when you need to vent and your surrounding audience may find such language offensive.