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Could it be that when he wrote his first book Bill Bryson was untainted by the unfortunate British tendency to introduce inappropriate expletives at every turn? Having lived here (mostly) ever since, he has possibly acquired the habit.
Swear words are only really effective when totally unexpected.

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, we agree about the occasional unnecessary bad language in "Little Dribbling".....but I do not find it so offensive, that I would stop reading the book?
I am having the time of my life treading the English paths and countryside, and tripping through the towns and villages, with Bill!
Thank you for parsing "doge".
Yes, I am sure that you are right, although I would never have seen it for myself.
To me, "binging with ill effects" would mean " throwing up"!
I couldn't access your link about Lyndon Johnson?
There was a message taking up the whole of my screen saying that I would have to agree to cookies across the board, for me to progress any further?
So I didn't pursue it.
Does that happen when you yourself click on it?



Kenyatta, you must know some very uncouth people, if they use (I quote you ) "inappropriate expletives at every turn".
This does not occur in the circles in which I move.

Elle
That was a little uncalled for. I shall resist the temptation to respond in kind, however tempting.

Kenyatta, I see nothing amiss with what I have said.
You tell me that the British swear at every opportunity......
I reply that that this certainly does not happen in my circle.
I am sorry that you are not so fortunate.

It's all right, Norah......I promise not to kick him in the shins, so long as he doesn't pull my plaits.....
As far as I am concerned, this matter is closed.

Hello, Elle!
I did not stop reading Bill Bryson's books, but I would have preferred no coarseness.
Yes, I get messages on screen like you seen on the Johnson link.
I press "OK" and read the article.
If you are not comfortable doing so, best leave it alone.
I am not just very happy with "binge" for "o/d".
"Binge", to me, is overeating or overdrinking.
Whereas "o/d" is "overdosing" on drugs (in Chambers).
Unless I am missing something?

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, my sentiments entirely, Rusty.
There is no call for bad language or coarseness under any circumstances.
It seems that Chris is in agreement with us over this, too, with regard to Bill Bryson's books.
Yes, that was what I was trying to get across about "binge".....an excess of eating or drinking resulting in being sick/ throwing up!
To me an overdose (o/d) is something completely different?
I do not think you are missing anything?
The clue would appear to be a bit "loose"....
Is that the term?
Any word from your friends ?

Hi elle
I know you said that the case was closed, but it really seemed an odd response from kenyatta to a harmless comment from you!

(btw the only BB book I started but didn't finish was "A walk in the woods" - though I did like the story of his companion taking as food all the things that attract bears!)

Hello, Elle!
Yes, Chris thought the same about coarseness.
Yes, I think you are right with "loose"!
I am quite surprised the crossword editor let it go, but he must surely think it is OK?
I found this, too.
https://www.drugrehab.org/dangers-of-binge-drug-use/
Perchance it is OK?
My friends are knocking about down town.
Visiting old haunts and running into old friends.
They were at Uni here, and know the town very well!

I wouldn't rule out blasphemy when appropriate, but it should be reserved for those occasions, or it becomes devalued. There's a man at my golf club who uses the "F" word almost every second word - I wonder what he says when he misses a two-foot putt?

Hi, Rusty!
Your link is interesting......and enlightening under the circumstances.
I had never heard the term "binge drug use"......
Yes, perhaps this makes the clue acceptable?
What do you think?
I am glad that your friends are having a great time revisiting old haunts!
I hadn't realised that they had gone to University locally.
They will indeed be well versed in the places to go and see!
We are expecting to hear from our daughter......they should be arriving in Birmingham any time soon.
The boys will be tired and wanting their beds.
Tomorrow will be a hectic day for them at the Legoland Discovery Centre!


Hello, Chris!
Yes, thanks......
You should maybe try again to read (and this time finish) "A Walk in the Woods"?
I think it is my favourite of all Bill's books that I have so far read.