Ofcom’s guide to “potentially offensive language” has gone viral because people are giggling at it

Ofcom have prepared a guide to “potentially offensive language” – a necessary and useful document for broadcasters as if there is any doubt about use of swears, they have an official document to refer back to and don’t just have to sit there in the office going “Is this bad? Can we say cocks? What about toss? Can we call Michael Gove a clunge? Is that ok?”

However because we’re a nation of children, the document has gone viral with people giggling at it.

Let’s just take a sample of comments:

• “This is an actual Ofcom document, but made me laugh more than most stuff on TV #comedygenius” writes @Mrjmcconnell.

• “This is fantastic. I expect all of these to be added to your vocabulary, if not already.” writes @Pingudownunder.

• “Just discovered the Ofcom list of rude words and it’s really funny cos I’m a child” writes @Samstyles147.

• “Ofcom’s attempt at a Rogers Profanisaurus failed miserably. @vizcomic” writes @Idmjones.

Here’s a short extract for your reading pleasure

Arse Mild language, generally of little concern.

Arsehole Medium language, potentially unacceptable pre-watershed. More aggression or specific intent to hurt
heightens impact.

Balls Medium language, potentially unacceptable pre-watershed. Particularly vulgar or sexual use heightens
the impact, especially for women.

Bastard Strong language, generally unacceptable pre-watershed. More aggression or specific intent to hurt
heightens impact. Less problematic when used to refer indirectly to someone who is cruel or nasty.

Beaver Strong language, generally unacceptable pre-watershed. Seen as vulgar and distasteful, especially by
women.

Beef curtains* Strong language, generally unacceptable pre-watershed. Low recognition. Seen as vulgar and
distasteful, especially by women.

Bellend Strong language, generally unacceptable pre-watershed. Seen by some as a childish word often said
in jest. More aggression or specific intent to hurt heightens impact.

Bint Medium language, potentially unacceptable pre-watershed. Seen as potentially derogatory by women,
but men also find the word problematic.

Bitch Medium language, potentially unacceptable pre-watershed. More aggression or specific intent to hurt
heightens impact.

Bloodclaat* Strong language, generally unacceptable pre-watershed. Low recognition. Among those familiar, seen
as vulgar and crude. Strongly disliked by women when meaning discussed.

Bloody Mild language, generally of little concern. Frequently used in everyday language to express emotion,
and not usually as a directed insult.

Bollocks Medium language, potentially unacceptable pre-watershed. Not generally offensive but somewhat
vulgar when used to refer to testicles. Less problematic when used to mean ‘nonsense’.

Bugger Mild language, generally of little concern. Frequently used in everyday language to express emotion
when making a mistake. Seen as much stronger when used in a clearly sexual context.

Bullshit Medium language, potentially unacceptable pre-watershed. Older participants more likely to consider
the word unacceptable.

Clunge Strong language, generally unacceptable pre-watershed. Not always recognised. Seen as vulgar and
distasteful, especially by women.

Cock Strong language, generally unacceptable pre-watershed. Seen as vulgar and distasteful by many. Less
problematic when used in a humorous context.

Cow Mild language, generally of little concern. Commonly viewed as a humorous insult.

Crap Mild language, generally of little concern.

The full document is on the Ofcom website for your reading pleasure – have fun.