The following is a list of words considered appropriate for use in a story rated 12+. However, please keep in mind that the AMOUNT of profanity should also be taken into account when selecting proper ratings and warnings.
For reference, the Site Rules define “12+” as:
12+ -- Directed to Readers Over 12 Years of Age:
This story is designed for children age 12 and above. It may be more appropriate for children who have acquired the developmental skills needed to distinguish between make-believe and reality. Themes and elements in this story may include mild fantasy or comedic violence, or may frighten children under the age of 12. Therefore, parents may wish to consider the suitability of this story for their very young children. It contains little or no violence, no strong language and little or no sexual dialogue or situations.
If you have questions regarding your particular story, please contact the staff directly via the forums, email, or our trouble ticket system. Questions posted as reviews to this story will not be answered.
Most profanity allowed in stories rated 12+ is limited to mild exclamations of irritation or surprise. If you find the following list restrictive, take a page from the book of J.K. Rowling and make up various words of this sort - like her use of "Merlin's beard!" instead of "Oh my gosh!" It's a great way to add wizarding color to your story but still get your point across in a way that allows you to retain your 12+ rating.
All the words below are also acceptable for use in public areas of the site (story and chapter titles, summaries, reviews, etc).
Mild Language
The warning "Mild Language" can apply to all stories posted on our archive. “Mild Language" does not apply to the amount of language in your story. Severe/strong obscenities must always be given the warning Strong Language, regardless of how many times they appear in a story.
The following words are acceptable in a story rated 12+ with a warning for Mild Language (some of these words are also acceptable at other ratings. Please refer to the other language tutorials for examples of words allowed at those ratings):
Darn: "Oh, darn! I forgot my Potions book in the common room. I'll be back in a minute."
Damn: "Damn it! - my pencil broke."
Hell: "Go to hell, Malfoy."
Bloody: "Bloody hell, Ron. Where did you get that?"
Bugger: "Bugger off, Fred."
Sod off: "I told him to sod off."
Poop: "I hate Care of Magical Creatures," exclaimed Parvati. "Just look at my new shoe, it's covered in unicorn poop!"
Strong Language
The warning "Strong Language" can only apply to stories rated 15+ and Mature. The strong language warning applies to all stories containing language more severe in nature. The warning "Strong Language" can also apply to stories with excessive "less severe" obscenities.
The warning "Strong Language" is not allowed to be applied to stories rated 12+.
Special Characters and Abbreviations
Authors occasional select to include swear words that contain special characters (i.e., d@mn instead of damn), or to use abbreviations for phrases that contain swear words (i.e., WTH instead of “what the hell”). Such characters and abbreviations are accepted but the story they appear in must still be rated according to whatever the character or abbreviated words represents. For example, a story with the abbreviation WTH in it must still contain a warning for mild language, since the “H” stands for the word “hell,” which is a 12+ words that requires a Mild Language warning.
There are some words that are NEVER permitted within the confines of this archive. Please see the Mature language tutorial for more information.
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