# Proposed language restrictions in the Pit **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [March 1, 2009, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910 "2009-03-01T20:44:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ed\_Zotti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/fbc32d/32.png) [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/1 "2009-03-01T20:44:00Z")
OK, here are the propose language restrictions in the Pit. I’ll entertain discussion briefly. If your comment is something to the effect of, “we shouldn’t have any restrictions in the Pit,” save yourself the trouble. * * * The following expressions should not be directed at other posters. cunt and variants, e.g., cuntlapper motherfucker cocksucker fuck you and variants, e.g., go fuck yourself, fuck off and die, suck my dick, etc. Terms not referred to above but which are normally considered vulgar (e.g., asshole, prick, bitch) are subject to the following limitations: - occasional use only - no posts consisting solely or mainly of vulgarities. Don’t play games. For example, don’t say, “X [some offboard personality] is a cunt, and you’re like X.” This list is subject to revision. ---
**Author:** ![bluecanary](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bluecanary/32/3614_2.png) [@bluecanary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bluecanary)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/2 "2009-03-01T20:47:02Z")
Is there any rule against directing these words at things other than posters (e.g. politicians)? ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/3 "2009-03-01T20:52:10Z")
So, basically it’s “anything a mod suddenly decides is offensive.” Got it. :rolleyes: Has it escaped your notice that “suck my dick” is completely unrelated to “go fuck yourself?” And therefore, since it immediately precedes the “etc.” what you’re saying is that you’re reserving the right to decide arbitrarily that something which does not contain the words “go,” “fuck,” or “yourself,” is nonetheless semantically equivalent because you said so. For someone who ostensibly makes his living writing you seem to have a remarkably casual attitude toward the actual meaning of words. ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Zotti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/fbc32d/32.png) [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/4 "2009-03-01T20:55:47Z")
> [@bluecanary](#): > > Is there any rule against directing these words at things other than posters (e.g. politicians)? No. We do of course retain the right to take appropriate action regarding any post we think is completely over the top, crazy, or whatever else. ---
**Author:** ![pepperlandgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f17d59/32.png) [@pepperlandgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pepperlandgirl)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/5 "2009-03-01T20:57:00Z")
So since Non-Pit Rules are going to apply to every thread in the Pit, why are you keeping the Pit open? ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Zotti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/fbc32d/32.png) [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/6 "2009-03-01T20:57:45Z")
> [@SmartAleq](#): > > So, basically it’s “anything a mod suddenly decides is offensive.” Got it. :rolleyes: > > Has it escaped your notice that “suck my dick” is completely unrelated to “go fuck yourself?” And therefore, since it immediately precedes the “etc.” what you’re saying is that you’re reserving the right to decide arbitrarily that something which does not contain the words “go,” “fuck,” or “yourself,” is nonetheless semantically equivalent because you said so. > > For someone who ostensibly makes his living writing you seem to have a remarkably casual attitude toward the actual meaning of words. Spare me. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/7 "2009-03-01T20:57:56Z")
Two thoughts: One: this won’t be retroactive, correct? Because if it is, a whole lot of us are in a world of deep doo-doo. Two: This is _really_ going to change the character of the BBQ Pit. (Personally, I haven’t decided whether or not I like that yet). Um… is the infamous phrase “goat felcher” and other variants of “felching” off limits, too? (please don’t hurt me if it is, I’m just looking for clarification to prevent future problems…) Not a typical insult, but in the past it has been slung around the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/8 "2009-03-01T21:00:07Z")
Thanks, mom. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/9 "2009-03-01T21:01:14Z")
Second thought: Ed, is the issue here _direct_ insults of other posters/members of the Dope using offensive language with words referring to sex acts (which could cover most, if not all, of what you list, and f\*lch as well)? But you could still use those terms regarding someone/something _outside_ the Doper community? Because that’s what I’m getting out of it. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/10 "2009-03-01T21:03:34Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Spare me. I could say the same. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/11 "2009-03-01T21:04:47Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Spare me. It’s fair question- How would a casual observer of the rules _know_ that “suck my dick” is not allowed given general categories? > [@Ed](#): > > cunt and variants > motherfucker > cocksucker > fuck you and variants What other phrases could be tacked on, since “suck my dick” was placed under “Fuck you and variants” and yet contains none of the forbidden words? ---
**Author:** ![bluecanary](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bluecanary/32/3614_2.png) [@bluecanary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bluecanary)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/12 "2009-03-01T21:06:55Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > It’s fair question- How would a casual observer of the rules _know_ that “suck my dick” is not allowed given general categories? I suppose the category is along the lines of “don’t use an insult that refers to the performance of a sexual act”, perhaps? ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/13 "2009-03-01T21:07:58Z")
> [@bluecanary](#): > > I suppose the category is along the lines of “don’t use an insult that refers to the performance of a sexual act”, perhaps? Maybe… but that’s not what is actually says. And that gets to the heart of **SmartAleq** ’s observation. ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Zotti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/fbc32d/32.png) [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/14 "2009-03-01T21:10:20Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Second thought: Ed, is the issue here _direct_ insults of other posters/members of the Dope using offensive language with words referring to sex acts (which could cover most, if not all, of what you list, and f\*lch as well)? But you could still use those terms regarding someone/something _outside_ the Doper community? Because that’s what I’m getting out of it. Yes. Not saying we encourage such things, and if your posting repertoire consisted entirely of obscene rants about politicians or whoever, we’d likely tell you to knock it off. But that’s what our policy has always been. ---
**Author:** ![Don\_t\_Call\_Me\_Shirley](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Don\_t\_Call\_Me\_Shirley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Call_Me_Shirley)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/15 "2009-03-01T21:11:18Z")
So am I correct in my interpretation that fuck is only off-limits when used as a verb? IOW, “fuck you” is out, but if used as an adjective, as in “fucking moron,” it’s OK? ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Zotti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/fbc32d/32.png) [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/16 "2009-03-01T21:12:42Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > Maybe… but that’s not what is actually says. And that gets to the heart of **SmartAleq** ’s observation. I thought about saying that, but after some discussion internally, concluded we’d get a million questions about what did or did not constitute a sexual act. I think the intent is reasonably clear as is. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/17 "2009-03-01T21:14:38Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > I thought about saying that, but after some discussion internally, concluded we’d get a million questions about what did or did not constitute a sexual act. I think the intent is reasonably clear as is. But, if the people for whom the rules are meant are saying that the intent and implementation are _not_ reasonably clear, shouldn’t that matter? ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/18 "2009-03-01T21:14:45Z")
Why is it a problem not to use “fuck” in our witty reparte? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/19 "2009-03-01T21:15:15Z")
I take it that WTF, either in its abbreviated or explicit form, would not fall under these guidelines. “F-ck off Joe Poster”: not allowed. “What the f-ck is your problem, JP?” Permitted. Do I misunderstand? ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Zotti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/fbc32d/32.png) [@Ed\_Zotti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ed_Zotti)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2009, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910/20 "2009-03-01T21:17:01Z")
> [@Don\_t\_Call\_Me\_Shirley](#): > > So am I correct in my interpretation that fuck is only off-limits when used as a verb? IOW, “fuck you” is out, but if used as an adjective, as in “fucking moron,” it’s OK? The general policy on profanity in the Pit is that same as for all forums on the SDMB: We don’t get on your case for an occasional vulgarity, provided you’re not violating some other rule in the process. For example, if you were to call someone a fucking moron in an SDMB forum other than the Pit, that would violate the rule against insults. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-language-restrictions-in-the-pit/487910.md?page=2)