User blog comment:Jake R/Admin and Chatmod Discussion: Swearing/@comment-1874924-20120823041437

Swearing is to be avoided on chat, and on blog comments as well. While we do allow liberal swearing in stories--if the author is willing to accept an R rating--chats can't be rated, and some people are sensitive to certain words. Openly scorning people for that sensitivity could be considered bullying. Furthermore, we have a lot of young users on this wiki, perforce since TD is allegedly a kids' show, and the last thing we need is to have these kids' parents order them to stay away from the wiki because of the foul language. In short, don't question why some people are sensitive to these words, just accept that they are. Is that really too much to ask of a generation that preaches diversity and inclusivity?

In any case, swearing on chat serves no constructive purpose because chronic overuse has almost completely drained those words of their impact. I'll admit that I tend to lose respect for people who swear a lot--not because I've ever been particularly sensitive to those words, but because those people just look pathetic, as if they're either too poorly educated to express themselves more articulately, or else have no emotional control. I've said it before, but it bears repeating: any point that can be made with profanity can be made just as well and probably better without it.

As for what constitutes swearing, here are some guidelines:

As Radi noted, we've never allowed swearing in chat. From the sound of it, it may be time for an enforcement crackdown.
 * If it appears in the uncensored version of the Total Drama episodes, it's fine. For example, "crap" is a word that Canadians use freely in the presence of children.
 * "Bitch" may not be directed at another user, whether present or not, because such use is derogatory. Wiki rules expressly forbid derogatory statements.
 * "Asshole" is probably OK if it's used sparingly, but may not be directed against another user, whether present or not. (Harassment/bullying issues, again.) In stories, it's PG-13 material.
 * If you simply must use "shit" or "fuck" or their variants in chat, asterisk out every letter except the first. Better yet, use a euphemism such as "effing".