h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Straw poll:

Would any Researchers be offended by the use on this site of an archaic word denoting the child of unmarried parents?

Depends on the context in which you use it.

If you're describing William the Conqueror, then fine. If you're describing Simon Cowell, then not.

I know exactly the point that Ed is making, and why, and I think the straw poll is entirely justified.

There are a lot of ways to use any word - and as such, it is the *actual abuse of others* that we are wishing to keep off the site.

Please write to [email protected] with your request Ed.

We are trying very hard to get the balance right, and are listening to the community.


Lanzababy

Fuctifino.

Oh hold on, if fuctifino is banned then I can't see how your suggestion is ok.

I agree that it's all about context.

It is indeed all about context.

My mother's a [word in question]. *shrug* Big deal.

I might also add that [word in question] is an affectionate term of endearment here in Australia. I've never quite understood why anyone gets distressed by it.

It shouldn't be an auto-fail. For instance I have a fabulous bastard sword. But shouldn't be allowed Oi you b*5tard.

See...I can't think of a context where people would genuinely say 'Oi you b*5tard' and expect it to have any force. The word has pretty much lost its power, surely?

If you really wanted to call someone a b*5tard you'd call them a .

Around here, 'G'day you old b*5tard, how are ya?' is a dignified greeting between elderly, well-educated, gentlemen.

IIRC, "The Meaning of Liff" gives the meaning of the word "Gastard" as something like "A word which could be used to describe someone of illegitimate birth, in order to distinguish them from someone who merely cuts you up on the motorway".


Geggs

Coming from my teaching background of inner city schools, the word 'bugger' was used as a term of endearment.

You have to imagine it in a heavy Vicky Pollard Bristolian accent though. 'Aww, you li-all buggaah'

Yeah...bugger was my Grandpop's favourite word.

I've never known why it's considered milder than , even though buggery is generally considered more obscene than ing.

Even the phrase 'it hurts like buggery' is mild, even though it refers to a lack of tender care and lubrication.

I agree with those saying context is key.

Especially as I *DO* own a fabulous bastard sword




(Technically I think that's because I have smallish hands, it's probably more of a one-hander for most)

"The word has pretty much lost its power, Shirley?"

Once again, depends where you are.

Interesting question, you silly old busterd.

quick question to Lanza, and I prefer to put it here than by email. Not because I want to be a PITA and a pest, but I think this kind of discussion is much much better in the open (cf. the thread with the pet name for Richard which sort of came to a consensus if not a conculusion)

So, are we being forbidden not to have these discussions in the open, or is it more of a guideline?

You'll also have to forgive me for not having known (or cared about) the Proper Procedures.

"The word has pretty much lost its power, surely?" Agreed... although it might depend on the intensifier used.

I was amazed to be yikesed, some years ago, for using a favourite word - an interjection expressing annoyance (usually with oneself), or to tell someone firmly that you disagree with their point - without even considering that it might cause offence... and it turns out to be a top-ten no-no!

Oh *o*lo*ks! I've got to go...

I can forgive you for not caring about the proper procedures, but there's no excuse for not knowing them

Jesus is B*st*rd actually considered a profanity anywhere?

"H2G2 this is the 1950's calling. They want thier community standards back".

FB

I think part of the reason why 'bugger' is so much milder than as a swear word is that in days gone by it was used as an accusitory word for what was, until comparitively reacently, a crime.

Whereas ing was never a crime, no matter how often some 'clever' person cutnpastes the folk etymology behind it.