# Is this verbiage allowed in The BBQ Pit? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [February 1, 2015, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502 "2015-02-01T11:14:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/21 "2015-02-02T13:45:56Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > Do we really want to set a precedent of mods pre-approving insults? Good lord, how boring would _that_ be? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/22 "2015-02-02T14:01:58Z")
If the BBQ Pit didn’t have any rules, then questions like this wouldn’t be necessary. Haven’t there been quite a few hypothetical questions about insults in the Pit before that were simply answered by moderators? As for finding “new” ways to insult people, that’s just silly. **Drew** asked a simple question about rules in the Pit and he’s piled on like he farted at a cocktail party. Sheesh… ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/23 "2015-02-02T14:25:45Z")
> [@armedmonkey](#): > > Oh, shut the fuck up, **samclem**. You once called me an “antisemite” in the BBQ pit with absolutely nothing to back it up with. I haven’t forgotten that. > > To the OP: Asking for rules on insults is a bad idea because it’s a part of human interaction and therefore a grey area. You are asking for set rules when there shouldn’t be any except the standard “don’t be a jerk” rule. That’s a grey area, and it should be. “Fuck you” can be said in regards to anything from “you ate the last slice of pizza” to “eating puppies is wrong”. > > Insults should be governed not by the mods, but mere common sense. The best ones attack the argument _and_ the poster. The weak ones just attack the poster. It is truly all about intent, which is nigh impossible to make a rule for. Whoa. Warning warning warning. This ain’t the Pit, armedmonkey and your first sentence is entirely out of line. ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/24 "2015-02-02T14:37:18Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > It’s all about feeling superior, and it’s a fight to stay on top. I basically agree with Morganstern but I can’t help but note the irony of a mod using an insulting post toward those asking if certain insults are OK in the pit. ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/25 "2015-02-02T15:15:22Z")
This whole thing just reminds me why I stopped posting here in the first place. You all have a terrible way of making people feel welcome. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/26 "2015-02-02T16:45:05Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > This whole thing just reminds me why I stopped posting here in the first place. You all have a terrible way of making people feel welcome. … said in a thread asking how it’s appropriate to insult people. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/27 "2015-02-02T17:18:38Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > … said in a thread asking how it’s appropriate to insult people. Insult people in the Pit, which is a forum specifically designed for, that. Not sure why that’s so hard for folks to understand. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/28 "2015-02-02T18:11:35Z")
> [@Irishman](#): > > Why do people have to try so hard to find new ways to insult people? Read about metagames. The “game” of SDMB is winning an argument… beating someone else in the thread. Sometimes an insult helps there. The metagame of SDMB is skirting the rules, pushing the envelope, being more clever and roundabout violating the spirit of the law, and getting away with it… beating SDMB. A sufficiently cleverly-phrased insult is clearly a play in the move-countermove of the Great SDMB metagame. The more you add rules, the more metagamers love it, because it becomes a more interesting playing field. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/29 "2015-02-02T18:16:46Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > … said in a thread asking how it’s appropriate to insult people. Since when has it ever been appropriate to extend a debate into an ATMB thread about the debate (in another forum)? Likewise, it’s never been appropriate to exend Pit-tolerated insult behavior ANYWHERE ELSE, but most especially in an ATMB thread about Pit-specific insult behavior. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/30 "2015-02-02T18:18:10Z")
Which is why I hope to avoid strict definitions - at least as far as my moderation - in GD or Elections goes. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/31 "2015-02-02T18:18:48Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > This whole thing just reminds me why I stopped posting here in the first place. You all have a terrible way of making people feel welcome. I don’t go into the Pit either. I know what it’s about, and on some level I’m glad there’s someplace for all the mad dogs to snarl and gnash their teeth at each other. And since it’s completely avoidable, it’s “problem solved” AFAIC. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/32 "2015-02-02T18:49:07Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > Whoa. Warning warning warning. > > This ain’t the Pit, armedmonkey and your first sentence is entirely out of line. I’m sorry. I apologize for that one. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/33 "2015-02-02T21:05:07Z")
Danger Will Robinson ---
**Author:** ![Your\_Great\_Darsh\_Face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ac8455/32.png) [@Your\_Great\_Darsh\_Face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Your_Great_Darsh_Face)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/34 "2015-02-02T21:54:59Z")
> [@splatterpunk](#): > > Seriously. There’s a finite set of forbidden insults in the Pit: don’t use the few forbidden words/expressions and don’t wish death on other users. > > I’m always amused when people appeal to the Administration for special dispensation to violate these rules by invoking some (not very) clever word play. > > For fuck’s sake, just tell the other guy to go fuck a cactus or something. Wait, is that actually allowed? I thought insults like “go fuck yourself” were out of line even in the Pit. 😕 ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/35 "2015-02-02T22:16:05Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > Wow, I didn’t realize that asking for a simple rules clarification would bring on things like being told I am seeking a way to feel superior by a moderator. Asking for rules clarification on how to get close to a rule but not pass it will get you censured on every message board I’ve posted on. Asking more than a few times gets you modded out on every other message board I’ve posted on, especially if your intent is the slightest bit unclear. The SDMB is the only message board that allows this privilege of being able to ask for rules clarifications repeatedly (and sometimes even snarkily) that I’ve seen. For the most part, there’s often even an answer. It’s a huge privilege that some people take for granted. If you think this was insulting, try it on a board where insults are allowed. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2015, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/36 "2015-02-02T22:34:04Z")
> [@armedmonkey](#): > > I’m sorry. I apologize for that one. Don’t apologize. It makes you look weak in the eyes of your enemies. > [@Your\_Great\_Darsh\_Face](#): > > Wait, is that actually allowed? I thought insults like “go fuck yourself” were out of line even in the Pit. 😕 **Colibri** , a mod, established that it is ok to say “go fuck a cactus” in the Pit. Also I would like to thank **BigT**. Without his explanation no one would know what an insult was. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/37 "2015-02-03T00:48:48Z")
> [@johnpost](#): > > insults should be like smilies, available with a single click. I thought we had them. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/38 "2015-02-03T00:51:14Z")
> [@drewtwo99](#): > > Wow, I didn’t realize that asking for a simple rules clarification would bring on things like being told I am seeking a way to feel superior by a moderator. > > I’m so sorry I even asked. > > Samclem, I don’t know if you have some issue with me personally or what but your comment was incredibly hurtful. I don’t try, nor do I want to feel superior to anyone. I don’t want to violate or break a rule or get special permission. I just asked for a clarification. > > To be honest, this kind of hurts my feelings, especially coming from a moderator. Sorry you read it that way. I didn’t mean it personally, just was answering the question post by **Irishman**. It was just my opinion, but not necessarily about your OP. ---
**Author:** ![RaftPeople](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/39 "2015-02-03T01:24:55Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > Also I would like to thank **BigT**. Without his explanation no one would know what an insult was. Damn you! I had skipped that post but your reference to it caused me to go back and read it. I fought it as hard as I could, my fingers were trembling and sweat poured onto my laptop as I tried not to go back, but I was overcome by weakness. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2015, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502/40 "2015-02-03T01:55:42Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > For gawds sake people, read the rules Easier said than done, I once counted looked at ALL the rules and it was something like 60 pages (on my laptop). It’s hard to read all that just to see if you can say something. I once got noted by Dex for saying that one poster was nagging another. I was told I couldn’t use the word ‘nag’ in ATMB, it belongs in the pit. Show me how I could have possibly found that ‘nag’ was restricted language in ATMB. Just to be clear, the thread was about a mod decision and belonged in ATMB. If it went in the pit, it would have been closed as soon as the mods got mentioned. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-verbiage-allowed-in-the-bbq-pit/711502.md?page=3)