I note that postings to the forum are automatically editted, substituting words that may be found offensive by some readers. I am unhappy that this is done without annotating the substitute in some way, as this would not only be perfectly acceptable but would help readers to make sense of what is posted.

The lack of annotation means that the substituted words take on the meaning of the words that they replace. If I refer to "people" in a posting, readers are encouraged to assume that I drafted a quite different word.

I suggest that the list of substitute words that now carry an offensive meaning in this forum be published, without having to list those that they replace. This would enable us to avoid them, in order not to perhaps convey a meaning that we did not intend.

I see that this substitution is in effect when using the Preview feature. One may therefore have fun seeing what one can "get away with" and in constructing quite bizarre sentences by allowing the substitution to be made. Members seeking to entertain may wish to reply in response to this challenge.

Thank you.

Many potentially offensive words and phrases on the list are considered acceptable and others are substituted by words and phrases that one would be unlikely to use for any other purpose.

Putting that list through the Preview feature reveals that the following words and phrases should not be used in the forum by those not intending to be offensive.

"not a very nice person", "nuts", "person", "rubbish", "sleeper", "thingy", "very *friendly* person"

The first of these seems highly suitable to convey an undeclared degree of offensiveness. Whoever compiled the translation was apparently unaware of litotes.

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Some experimentation shows that one may refer to the common diminutive of Richard and a small cut on the skin but not a male bird. This provides further evidence to show that only American sensibilities are being protected.

All substitute words are now prefixed and suffixed with '«' and '»' respectively.

ROFL....

Interesting that quoting a message shows the original word in the edit box...

It's not even a very accurate substitution. Surely it should say «illegitimate children» or something similar?