I agree, and sometimes wonder just how much the urge to swear comes from the fact that your not supposed to do it.
What is the diference between shit, crap and poop? And why is a kid calling someone a poop head any better then calling someone a shit head?
I would have to say that these words are only fun to say because they give us some sort of liberation from breaking the rules. It's silly really, if these werent prohibited language then no one would actually care when their used. The only things it really achieves is making them more fun to say, and giving people more reasons to get offended.
Yes, it is about intention more than the words. There is no difference in the semantics of the euphemisms other than people's sense of 'right and wrong' even though they have never considered their own value system and the inherent contradictions.
My Dad however can't swear. When he must (explaining what someone said) it sounds very wrong. Even angry I never heard 'him' swear.