# Offensive language

> Use language that respects all users by avoiding expressions that can be seen as outdated or offensive. Always follow company language guidelines to ensure your writing is welcoming and professional.

# 

## General rules

Use clear, neutral and inclusive language, avoiding stereotypes or terms with social history tied to ethnicity, nationality or cultural identity. See: [Voice and tone](./voice-and-tone.md)

Use terms that describe processes, technology or jobs, not people or users. See: [User management](../menu-functions-and-ui-labels/user-management.md)

Avoid idioms, metaphors or slang that may not translate well across cultures or abilities.

## Offensive language list

Below is a list of common UI terms and action labels to avoid and includes recommended alternatives for your product's UI text.

### Disclaimer and content warning

The list is incomplete and is revised dynamically and iteratively. Exceptions can be made for varying contexts in product lines, but we list - and recommend - more appropriate alternatives here.

Note: The list contains words that may be considered offensive, sensitive or inappropriate. These terms may be triggering, upsetting or disturbing to some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.

| Offensive language list | Explanation | Recommended alternative terms |
| ---- | ----- | ---- |
| abort | Evokes sensitive medical associations with pregnancy termination. | • cancel• force quit• stop• end• finalize |
| average user | Implies someone is ordinary or lacks special skills, which can feel dismissive or undervaluing. | • standard user• typical user |
| chain | Associated with a lack of freedom, being limited or restrained. | • sequence (a sequence of operations) |
| dismiss | Implies rejection and suggests something is unimportant, which can feel negative when users are simply finishing a task or acknowledging information. | • close• OK• skip• disregard• ignore• finish (depending on the context) |
| execute | Has violent associations and contributes to an insensitive or unwelcoming UI tone. | • run• start• perform• apply• carry out• conduct• submit |
| grooming | Describes the process of an adult building trust to enable the sexual abuse of children. Is now the dominant associated meaning. | • developing• training• preparing |
| backlog grooming | Associated with manipulative behavior. Scrum associations no longer use the term. | • backlog refinement |
| hang | Evokes imagery of execution by hanging, which can be disturbing for users. Often used in contexts involving system processes or application states. | • freeze• stall• stop responding• become unresponsive |
| kill | Evokes violence and death which can sound aggressive in professional contexts. Used historically for terminating processes and operations. | • stop• close• quit• end |
| master (master / slave) | Reinforces associations with slavery and dominance. May be acceptable when it describes expertise, original versions, or authoritative sources such as "master key" or "master copy". | • source / replica• primary / remote• leader / follower• main branch• host• original• manager |
| mob (programming) | Used for collaborative coding sessions but has negative and aggressive associations outside technical contexts. | • team programming• collaborative coding• ensemble programming |
| penetration testing | Although it has sexual connotations, use in contracts, compliance documents, and technical specifications for legal clarity. | • pen testing• security assessment |
| quantum supremacy | Associated with racial or ideological dominance movements and can be perceived as promoting hierarchical or exclusionary thinking. | • quantum advantage• quantum breakthrough |
| slave | Evokes historical connotations of slavery and oppression.In technical contexts, used to refer to a device or process controlled by another (master) device or process.Industry is shifting away from term. | • primary / replica (databases)• leader / follower (systems)• main / secondary (hierarchy)• controller / peripheral (hardware)• primary / subordinate (processes) |
| terminate | Refers to forcefully ending a process, task, or instance. While standard in technical contexts, "terminate" can carry associations with ending life or destruction. Instead use neutral and clear terms that focus on the purpose of the action. | • end• stop• finish• cancel• shut down• disconnect |
| trigger warning | The term "trigger" can trivialize real trauma responses and is associated with gun and gun violence.See content guidelines below. | • content warning• sensitive content ahead• this section includes descriptions of… |
| turned on / turned off | Outdated, imprecise and often associated with sexual connotations. | • on / off• switch on / switch off |

:::info
Official Siemens brand resources regarding this theme are exclusively available for Siemens AG employees and partners and can be accessed [here](https://brandville.siemens.com/en/inclusive-language-guide#noninclusive).
:::

## How to avoid offensive language

We recommend proactively managing and mitigating the use of offensive language in industrial applications. In avoiding these terms, UX writers can contribute to a professional and respectful software environment.

These guidelines have been designed to support teams and product portfolios in avoiding offensive language.

### Cultural sensitivity reviews

Conduct regular reviews of common slang and abbreviations in multiple languages to ensure cultural sensitivity and appropriateness.

### Industry and context considerations

Develop an internal list of terms that may be specifically offensive or inappropriate within your industrial context.

### Automated filtering

Implement filtering software that utilizes databases of known offensive terms, including variations.

### Community guidelines and reporting

Clearly communicate acceptable use policies to users and provide a mechanism for reporting suspicious or offensive usernames.

### Regular updates and maintenance

Keep lists and guidelines updated with the latest terms as language evolves, and solicit feedback from users and stakeholders.

### Consult expertise

Engage with language experts specializing in content moderation to ensure comprehensive coverage and consult with legal and compliance experts to align with regulations and standards.

## Related

- [Voice and tone](./voice-and-tone.md)
- [User management](../menu-functions-and-ui-labels/user-management.md)