Howard, I think Brian has already mentioned his unease with 'hog-eye', but as you say I think the more esoteric nature of the profanity means that most people aren't familiar.

'My point is that there may be contexts where its use in performance can be justified, just as there may be situations where unbowdlerised versions of shanties could be sung. Of course considerable caution is needed.'

Personally, without a heavily caveated intro, I can't imagine those contexts where it could be justified;

Even in a dramatic context for historical verite, unless for purposes of revealing and exploring prejudice, it would seem highly gratuitous; and there are just so many other songs that could be used.

The idea of it being struck up 'un-cordoned', in the general course of a shanty session, whatever the demographic of those participating, seems quite far beyond the pale.