The BBFC continues to be sensitive to the public's views about strong language. The Board no longer relies upon a list of swear words simply rated by offence, but instead takes into account the strength, context and tone of the words used. The Board takes care to ensure that language does not exceed audience expectations at any category. More offensive terms are removed from junior categories, while the strongest sexual expletives are restricted to the upper categories and, where used aggressively, to '18'.

The BBFC maintains Guidelines on language that reflect public attitudes on the issues:

	Infrequent use only of very mild bad language
	Mild bad language only
	The use of strong language (e.g., “fuck”) must be infrequent.  Racist abuse is also of particular concern
	Frequent use of strong language; the strongest terms will be acceptable only where justified by context.  Continued aggressive use of the strongest language is unlikely to be acceptable
	No constraints on language

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