Symbolism in Catcher

Many authors have noted that almost every swear word in the English language is used freely in this novel except for the word "shit," which never occurs. Instead of saying "bullshit" (a word which was not uncommon in the 1950s), Holden instead says "shoot the bull." The only plausible explanation for this is simply to add to the realism of the story-Holden himself has some reservations with regard to obscenity.
Holden's attachment to the hunting hat can be seen in his early description of it: "This is a people-shooting hat. I shoot people in this hat." Perhaps the "hunting" Holden does is one not of killing people, but of criticizing them. When he gives the hat to Phoebe, it may be symbolic that Holden has chosen...