Morphose

Morphose: verb. To begin to say something that is regarded as a rude, curse word, but then change to something else purposely. This technique is often used by people in situations where swearing is prohibited. It cannot be done in writing, but examples include: "Shiitake mushrooms" or "Fudge". The term was coined by Thomas D. Clark, famous historian and professor at the University of Kentucky, when he visited a local high school to teach a history lesson, after he retired from his professorship. Being 92 years old at the time, Clark was easily annoyed by the young children and then complained to their regular teacher: "The darned kids wouldn't listen to anything I say and just morphosed the whole lesson." Thomas D. Clark lived to the age of 101 and will always be remembered for his contribution to the English language.