Swearwords, Bleeps & Taboo Slang

Blasphemous language, crude language and swear words are unacceptable. Phrases such as “For God’s sake”, “Oh Christ Almighty”, “Goddammit” etc. may be acceptable but will need to be assessed on a case by case basis. “OMG” is likely to be acceptable. Mild rebukes (e.g. “damn it”) may be acceptable but stronger language or swear words (e.g. “bloody hell”) are not acceptable.

To follow is a list of the more common, slang or taboo words and phrases which have been rejected in the past, depending on their context:

• bloody
• dick/prick/penis/pillock
• frigging
• bollocks
• bitch
• shit/crap
• bastard
• slapper
• arse
• dork/nonce
• tits
• moron/cretin

Radiocentre policy does not allow bleeps or similar which seek to disguise slang, taboo or swear words/phrases/language which would be unacceptable in their own right. However, their use to disguise otherwise potentially offensive language may be accepted where a non-offensive meaning can also be inferred and where the tone and style are not unduly aggressive.

For example, a standalone bleep, series of bleeps, “bleep…ing” or similar where a specific taboo word is not identifiable are likely to be acceptable. Also, the opening of a potential taboo word that is resolved into a non-taboo word, e.g “ffffffiddlesticks” or “shhhhhugar”, is likely to be acceptable.

However, the opening of a potential taboo word that is resolved with a bleep, where it is clear what the taboo word is, e.g. “oh ffff-bleep” or “oh shhhh-bleep” is unacceptable, as is the use of bleeps in conjunction with another word or as part of a phrase which makes clear what the taboo word or expression is; e.g. “mother bleep”.