UK TV, Radio Could Get Into Trouble for Using Terms 'Karen,' 'Snowflake' & 'Gammon'
15:36 GMT 22.09.2021 (Updated: 15:16 GMT 28.05.2023)
CC0 / /
Subscribe
Social media users have reacted wildly following the news that terms such as “snowflake” and “Karen” are now considered offensive by Ofcom.
The UK’s communication regulator – Ofcom – has conducted what it calls its "most thorough and detailed report on offensive language" ever. According to the study, politically-charged words like “gammon” risk upsetting listeners.
How have attitudes to offensive words and phrases used on TV and radio changed in recent years?
— Ofcom (@Ofcom) September 22, 2021
Our study today brings the latest views from across the UK to light: https://t.co/JZWT2oZdnW pic.twitter.com/agNQGIgbXi
“Gammon” is a term that refers to a right-wing man, who is a supporter of Brexit, while “libtard” is a contemptuous term for a person with left-wing political views. Both words have been put on the list.
One of the words that also made the list was “Karen,” which is used by some to refer to an entitled middle-class white woman, not only in the UK but also in the US and other nations.
Terms like “snowflake,” “remoaner,” and “boomer” that are now on Ofcom’s “offensive” list and have been widely used on social media. Following the report findings, scores of social media users voiced their reaction online.
Loooool the world is literally just a parody
— DiscombobulatedTechy (@thediscombo) September 22, 2021
Loooool the world is literally just a parody
— DiscombobulatedTechy (@thediscombo) September 22, 2021
God help Karen when she orders Gammon Egg and Chips in the pub 😂👍🍺
— Happy Harry (@zzzoooman) September 22, 2021
I know Twitter can be a hotbed of abuse, but Ofcom have now added words that are deemed offensive, meaning broadcasters will be in trouble for using these.....
— Darren Dixon (@BeaumontDMD) September 22, 2021
Karen
Remoaner
Gammon
Snowflake
Libtard
Boomer
Terf
Feminazi
How long before these words result in Twitter suspensions?
Ofcom said that the audiences were "felt increasingly worried about discriminatory language, particularly around race."
"Audiences told us that, although they want broadcasters to give careful consideration to when and how offensive language is used on TV and radio, they stressed the important role it can play in broadcasting. Participants mentioned, for example, offensive language being used for dramatic impact, for humour, to reflect real life or to inform and educate," Ofcom added.
Ofcom disagrees that adding the terms to the offensive list is a form of censorship.
Other offensive words flagged by viewers include "feminazi" (someone who is an outspoken and radical feminist) and "terf" (a "trans-exclusionary radical feminist" or someone who refuses to accept that trans women are women and oppose trans-rights legislation).
