In Diana Gabaldon's "Dragonfly in Amber," a character expresses shock and dismay at a surprising revelation. His reaction is so intense that it pushes him to use unexpected and crude language, indicating how disturbed he feels about the situation. This highlights both the gravity of the news and his emotional response to it, revealing deeper themes of societal norms and personal boundaries.

The phrase illustrates the character's struggle to process something he finds repulsive or incomprehensible. His horrified reaction serves to emphasize the story's exploration of intimacy and the complexities of relationships in a historical context. The use of vulgarity underscores his surprise and the challenges faced by the characters in navigating societal expectations and personal identity.