In the film “Napoleon Dynamite,” the main character, played by Jon Heder, repeatedly exclaims “gosh” when upset. Set in rural Idaho, this language is part of the film’s quirky, nostalgic landscape.

That’s about how most Americans think about “clean swears” nowadays — language that’s folksy, old-fashioned and quaint. If you hear one of these words, it probably also means you’re visiting one of the remaining cultural oases where language standards still discourage profanity.

“Always use the names of God and Jesus Christ with reverence and respect,” stated an earlier version of “For the Strength of Youth” published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “If you have developed the habit of swearing, you can break it.”

Utah’s dominant faith isn’t the only community providing

See Full Page