Can mere words ever justify an actual physical assault upon the speaker? Many people seem to think so, and even the "Fighting Words Doctrine" of Common Law implies that a person who makes use of inflammatory language should be considered an instigator rather than an "innocent victim." Indeed, in the majority of unlawful assaults, the "victim" often had said things to provoke his attacker immediately preceding the whuppin’ in question. In other words, if one elects to freely denigrate passers-by, it is virtually guaranteed that he will soon be the recipient of a beating. In the opinion of many, words can hurt as much as a fist — and you need to be aware of this commonly held perception, even if you’re in disagreement.

Literally hundreds of words are considered to be derogatory, but a select few are so offensive that their usage is actually condemned in civilized society. Public usage of these words is not protected under the 1^st Amendment, and may even result in arrest and incarceration! Other penalties for use include: expulsion from school, termination of employment, fines, and infamy. If you tend to use such language frequently, others will assume that you belong at the bottommost strata of society, amongst the criminals and degenerates. Three of the most universally reviled words follow:

"FUCK":

This word is in common usage amongst a variety of demographics, and is considered to be far less shocking than it had been only two decades ago, although persons who use it frequently are commonly perceived as uneducated. It can be used in a variety of ways (verb, adjective, expletive, noun, etc.) — and often is. However, public vocalization of this particular word is unlawful, and those who dare are often charged with Disorderly Conduct, Harassment, or Disturbing the Peace. Use of this word can result in suspension from school or termination of employment. It is considered highly improper to use this word in the presence of women or children. Try to make use of another word in "mixed company."

This disgusting vulgarity is used to denigrate women. Of all the slang terms used to refer to the feminine genitalia, this is probably the most hateful. This word is used only to shock, degrade, and hurt — and no real man would ever direct it at a female. If you feel compelled to insult a female drug fiend, child abuser, thief, or skank, you need to select a more appropriate word.

This is considered by many to be one of the most offensive words in the English language — much more so than any other derogatory word or phrase intended to direct hatred or ridicule at Blacks, or any other racial, ethnic, or religious demographic. Although Black persons sometimes use this word amongst themselves, if a person from any other race were to use it, official sanctions and physical assaults would be a likely result. Use of this vile word can easily get one expelled from school or charged with a "Hate Crime." If you need to insult a Black man, it is imperative that you choose another word. Indeed, many Blacks would instantly rush to attack you if you’d called them this. One of Martin Luther King’s most famous quotes was: "Judge a man, not by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character" (paraphrased). Call him an asshole, shithead, or scumbag, if you must, but to denigrate his entire race is shameful and wrong. If you make frequent use of this word, people will think that you’re an ignorant Nazi.