The only words that we consider forbidding outright are words that can be considered vulgar or offensive slang. Typically, a dictionary is a wonderful help toward indicating which words are vulgar/offensive slang and which are not. Our decision required the establishment of two different types of forbidden words:

- Vulgar/Offensive Slang (Swearing): The obvious cases, words that are defined as vulgar and are generally taken as such.
- Forbidden Borderline Slang: Words that are not extreme vulgarities, but are slightly vulgar or have a widely vulgar connotation. An example of this category is "G**damn", which was also discussed in the meeting and is now categorized as forbidden.***

"Rape", by definition, is not vulgar, nor is it slang. Rather, it is a word that denotes, in one specific meaning, the violation of a human body by another for forced gratification.

It is, by all means, understandable that some would be uncomfortable with the use of the word rape based on their personal experiences or their individual sensitivities. It is the opinion of the staff, however, that outright prohibition of the word's use is acting on the potential for someone to be offended rather than actual offense being taken. We sympathize for these individuals.

However, a rule against using the word at all is not something we can rightfully set into stone.

The fact is that the word's usage varies situation to situation, and it is our job as moderators to decide when to act and when not to. Because "rape" is not vulgar by definition and is only offensive by context, there is no justification for having a rule set against it as if it were absolutely vulgar. It is not.

Had this rule remained in place, it would have set a precedent for other non-vulgar words to be taken badly by other groups of people, and we would have to ban a word that wasn't necessarily bad at all based on said precedent. It was an upset to the fairness and balance of the community, and hence was repealed.