I've just been sorting through my collection of G&S books - and started to read them of course! I have a lovely old pale blue cloth-bound book called The Pinafore Picture Book by WS Gilbert, dated 1908, with colour plates and line drawings by Alice B Woodward plus some excerpts from the musical score accompanying the narrative. It really is delightful and quite amusing. The words of Captain Corcoran's song are interesting.

In the version used nowadays:
Bad language or abuse,
I never, never use,
Whatever the emergency;
Though "bother it" I may
Occasionally say,
I never use a big, big D —
Chorus.
What, never?
Captain.
No, never!
Chorus.
What, never?
Captain.
Hardly ever!
Chorus.
Hardly ever swears a big, big D —

The "big, big D " is Damn! is it not?

In this book it's:

Bad language or abuse
I never, never use,
Whatever the emergency;
"How tiresome!" I may
Occasionally say,
But I never use a big, big B!

And Gilbert adds in a footnote:
He meant "Bother!" - a vulgar expression that only the strongest provocation can excuse.


Was this tongue in cheek do you think?

Edit: Just thought, if this book was intended for children that would explain why a  big, big D! was not allowed!

There may be more examples of word changes but I must get on with my sorting and packing so into the box this much-treasured book must now go!

Edit: PS. I've found I have 2 identical copies of D'Oyly Carte Centenary 1875-1975, in good condition full of history, anecdotes, drawings and photos. If anyone here would like my spare copy, please PM me - I'd be happy to send it to you.