Language

Many people are offended, some of them deeply, by bad language, specifically the use of expletives with a sexual, religious, or racial association, offensive language about minority groups and commonly understood rude gestures.

The extent of that offence varies according to:

• Age
• Gender
• Race
• Background
• Beliefs and expectations
• Context

For this reason it is impossible to define a specific list of words, expressions or gestures which are acceptable at each category. The advice at different classification levels, terefore, provides general guidance taking account of the views expressed in public consultation excersise.