Ah! Ah! Ah! You're thinking of the scatalogical "S-word". I never use that private Anglo-saxon idiom in public conmmunication, for I consider such usage an invasion of privacy. (To an "invader" I want to say, in the style of Flip Wilson's friend, Geraldine, "You don't know me that well!")

No, the "S-word" I imply is "Strategy". Here's "background".

Many years ago, I noticed mention of this remarkable African-American, Colin Powell, in the Army. I immediately started following his career, from general interest and support, and also in hope I could use some of his comments in my own arguments. I want to convince African-Americans, particularly young ones, particularly, girls and women, that some training in Math (which I try to relate to every day life) is useful, especially as providing Strategies which can be adapted for daily life. So, every time I heard about him or from him on TV or read this in newspaper or magazine, I focused on the keyword "strategy", hoping to find a military usage which could be adapted educationally.

But, guess what? I cannot remember ever learning of his usage of this word -- in any context. Thanks a lot, Colin!

And because I was "following his every [media-ed] word", I noticed his occasional use of another notable idiom, "the C-word" -- "cripple". A "crippled plane"; a "crippled project"; a "crippled this-and-that".

Knowing how my own dear (now-departed) disabled wife -- ONLINE under the "Memorial" website, My Lady Esther" -- cringed each time she heard that word IN ANY CONTEXTS, I realized how many thousands, perhaps millions, also cringed at the insensitivity displayed in the language of this public figure!

Some time back, a "white man" in the DC Goverment got in trouble for using the word "niggardly", which has nothing to do with "the N-word" that offends and slurs African-Americans, but rather means "miserly". However, it was agreed that "niggardly" should be avoided to proclude any misunderstanding. Same with the word "cripple". A perfectly good word, "damage", can be used and there are others.

Get with it, Sir!