Grew up in an era where even saying bloomin eck resulted in being told to wash my mouth out with soap and water.
In the teens more coarse words were learnt of course, but never used at home, never heard in mixed company, and never by women, and certainly never on radio or later television.
I remember as a young teenager actually being really surprised the first time I head a boy saying fuck in conversations with girls. And then even more shocked to hear a girl say it.
Even now it's not a word I'd use in mixed company.
Yes, times have changed, and it's become common practice in films and TV, and yet when my grandson was younger and we were out on public transport, I would cringe when hearing indiscriminate use of the word.
As most of my work life has involved male only environments, of course it's part of the banter and I've used the word many times in both aggressive and non aggressive situations.
Regarded Lineker & co, I just don't think there's any need. It's sometimes just lazy and indicates a poor vocabulary.
As regards the comedians, it's often used hoping to just get a cheap laugh or shock, and it amazes me sometimes that it'll even get a round of applause.
I'm bias, but I don't think my favourite, old Doddy, ever felt the need to use swear words.... he didn't need to.
