offensive language
Words that wound
Language that insults, demeans, or shows contempt—typically targeting someone's identity, appearance, or beliefs.
The category includes slurs, profanity, and hostile speech.
What counts as offensive varies by context and audience: words acceptable among friends may be inappropriate at work, and terms once neutral may become taboo over time.
The policy prohibits offensive language in the workplace.
- expletiveProfane emotional utterance
- four-letter wordShort crude expression
- profanityVulgar or obscene speech
- dirty mouthHabitual vulgar speaker
- slurInsulting group label
racial slur · swear · curse · bigotry · homophobia · threat · slap in the face · blasphemy · name-calling · fighting words · sexism · racism · obscenity · taunt · sacrilege · malediction · scatology · off-color joke
- misdemeanorsmisdemeanor, petty theft, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, petty larceny
- soccer officiatingreferee, yellow card, red card, foul, booking
offensive languagerefined language
Polished, cultivated speech
elevated language · formal language · proper English · Queen's English