Dear Sir,

While walking through Hamilton one day recently, I came upon a couple of men on the sidewalk engaged in what appeared to be a normal, friendly conversation. There were no raised or angry voices; there was even a friendly chuckle of laughter between the two men.

However, that common word — the F-word — was clearly uttered, not once but several times. Further, when I and other women passed by, there was no indication of lowered voices.

It happens in restaurants, in grocery stores and other establishments. That word seems to be a regular part of everyday vocabulary these days.

None of us can say we haven’t used that word from time to time. Somehow, it helps a stubbed toe or a dropped dish now and again. But in public — and in the company of people around you — it just isn’t necessary.

I remember the time when a man would use the word not realising a woman was present and would apologise for the slip. Not any more! And how quickly our youth pick up on this word.

Some still need their mouths washed out with soap!

LIBBY MADEIROS

Devonshire