Johnston Press Today Network Forum: Swear Word Policy
Johnston Press would like to remind all of it users of the Today Network Forums not to swear and to adhere to this Swear Word Policy. If you see one of these swear words within a posting or an article we'd like you to bring it to the attention of the site moderator by using the link provided. The moderator will then remove the offending word.
If you see a word that you personally find offensive, but isn't on this list, please bring it to the attention of the moderator, who will make a decision as to its suitability in the given context. This page is a guide only; if other words offend, or are used in an offensive way they may be removed.
Johnston Press would like to point out that we'd prefer you not to use swear words at all. The Forum attracts a wide range of readers and members, in terms of age, culture, nationality and personal attitude and many people are genuinely offended by swear words that others consider perfectly acceptable.
If you feel you must use swear words within a posting please star out the word yourself (see examples below). Please note though that the starring out of swear words is not a means to get around the House Rules. If your posting breaks the House Rules (i.e. it is obscene, profane, abusive, racially offensive etc.) it will be removed regardless of whether the words have been starred out or not. Swear words on the banned list that have been deliberately or accidentally mis-spelt will also be removed.
Swear Words: The Banned List
This is a selection of some of the words on the Banned List. Please note that all derivatives of the following words are also currently included on the banned word list:
- b*****k(s) - testicle
- c**t - vagina
- f**k - to have sex
- j**m - ejaculated semen (also spelt j*zm)
- t**t - another word for vagina
- w**k - masturbate
Words with Dual Meanings
These are a number of words which have both acceptable and unacceptable meanings.
- b*****k(s) - testicle
- c**t - vagina
- f**k - to have sex
- j**m - ejaculated semen (also spelt j*zm)
- t**t - another word for vagina
- w**k - masturbate
Transgressions
If you fail to abide by these House Rules then, in most cases, the following procedure will be followed. Please note that Johnston Press plc reserves the right to terminate accounts immediately at its discretion (in the event of such things as criminal behaviour or personal abuse or harassment of Johnston Press staff for example) or to vary the following process as it sees fit.
Some words are banned not because they are profane or swearing, but because they may offend members of any minority, religious or ethnic group. The list below is not definitive; any posting or article using a slang word that may be seen to be offensive to any group of people will be removed and the posting may result in the termination of your account.