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.
“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.
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).