How offensive is 'bloody' in the UK?

I’ve always wondered this, because I watch some British movies and occasional television shows, and the word seems to crop up somewhat frequently. Is it about on par with ‘damn’ or ‘hell’ in the US? Is it something you shouldn’t say in front of little kids, your grandmother, or members of the clergy? Is its use in any way restricted in broadcasting? Thanks.

It’s not that offensive. Perhaps a degree more so than “hell” and “damn”.

I think there was another thread about this recently, maybe search…

but anyway, it’s the case with most swearing (with the obvious handful of exceptions) that said in an offhand way they’re OK, but said with real meaning they’re offensive. e.g. it’s fine for a school football coach to tell his kids they played “bloody well”, but to mutter “bloody waste of time” under your breath is a big insult to whoever you’re dealing with at the time.

It’s bloody offensive.

Sorry, couldn’t help it

It was the only swear word we were allowed to use in our house. Even now, anything stronger is frowned upon. Which is fine by me - I can’t abide to hear children swearing.

I don’t know how offensive “Bloody” is, is it the equivalent to “Fucking”?, but I know I like it when Spike says it.

I think there have been at least half a dozen threads on this topic already.

Don’t you mean “at least half a dozen threads on this bloody topic”, ruadh?

heck no. maybe damn.