Alternative colorful words to use in writing for the CBA

[Beth Shriver]

In my current WIP I've found it hard to find the right words for one of my characters to show who he is compared to who he becomes through out the story. Any creative-word-geniuses want to share on this subject?

[Rachel Marks]

I'm not sure what the question is. Would you like help finding alternates to cuss words? Or is there an arch of character change you're wanting to reflect through language?

[Beth Shriver]

The colorful words part would be cuss words, yes. The character development part I have.

[Geralyn Beauchamp]

What nationality is he Beth? And is this a historical or contemporary? I have a character who gets "colorful" but he's a seventeenth century Scot who speaks Gaelic. That's pretty easy to work with actually!

[Beth Shriver]

Hi Geralyn, My character is an Aussie. I have a found a few slang Australian words to use. I'm just not sure how far I can go with it, he lives in the U.S. which gives me more choices.

[Geralyn Beauchamp]

Well with some of my characters I actually made up some words and phrases. One idea is to give him a sort of tag line which COULD mean he's swearing. It could be something his great granddad used to say ... and for all he knows it is a swear word, but no one in his family really knows ....

[Beth Shriver]

Brilliant! I like it. Shows a lot of creativity and personalizes the character. With a place like Australia there's a lot to go on as well")

[Geralyn Beauchamp]

Oh yeah, when your character is from another country, or in my character's case another time, you can get VERY creative! Have fun!

[Rel]

Beth,

Firstly I am interested that you are writing an Aussie character given that I am from that wonderful part of the world! A risky enterprise writing a character from another nationality!! I would like to see what you do with him :)

Secondly, Jefferson Scott wrote an article on this very subject - it is detailed and has numerous suggestions. Hope it helps! http://keepmeinsuspense.blogspot.com/2008/04/manage-profanity-part-...

[Beth Shriver]

A great part of the world as I've been there and very much enjoyed the people and sites and country. I'm having fun iwth this character but don't want to deny him his colorful flare at the beginning of the story, part of that is his language and Aussie language which I'm learning more about than I ever thought I would. The trick is not to use so much slang that readers have to pause to 'get it'. Also the mix between british slang and Aussie can become one with different expressions. If you have helpful tips on 'colorful' Aussie words send them my way. I think I'm beginning to speak with an accent already!

[Charles Funderburg]

Ummm, why don't you email me what you are trying to say, and I'll see what I can come up with. Playing with words is one of my favortie things to do. Or, if you can actually say those words here, then I can reply here.

Chazzy

[Beth Shriver]

Well, well, not a surprise to see you here:) Basically my delima is if parts of this story are going to sound real a couple of the characters need to sware...not being a big cusser myself it's awkward and I don't want to offend. So as Geralyn suggested I'm using his Australian slang to maybe make up a word or two that would get the point across. Any suggestions are welcome.

[Rhonda Clark]

I've read Christian books that had a swear word or two in them. They were character appropriate.

I like your idea of making up words. What I do is go right up to the word, or even start the word and then show the reaction on other's faces. Most people will finish the sentence themselves. In my current wip, I start the word and have the character remember who he's speaking with and self-correct.