Editing Profanity (section)

===United Kingdom===
====In public====
Swearing, in and of itself, is not usually a [[crime|criminal offence]] in the [[United Kingdom]] although in context may constitute a component of a crime. However, it may be a criminal offence in [[Salford Quays]] under a [[public spaces protection order]] which outlaws the use of "foul and abusive language" without specifying any further component to the offence, although it appears to be unclear as to whether all and every instance of swearing is covered. [[Salford City Council]] claims that the defence of "reasonable excuse" allows all the circumstances to be taken into account.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/granada/2016-03-02/salford-council-tries-to-outlaw-swearing-at-the-quays/|title=Salford Council tries to outlaw swearing at The Quays|date=2 March 2016}}</ref> In [[England and Wales]], swearing in public where it is seen to cause [[harassment, alarm or distress]] may constitute an offence under section 5(1) and (6) of the [[Public Order Act 1986]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/64|title=Public Order Act 1986|publisher=Legislation.gov.uk|access-date=19 November 2012}}</ref> In [[Scotland]], a similar common law offence of [[breach of the peace]] covers issues causing public alarm and distress.

====In the workplace====
In the United Kingdom, swearing in the workplace can be an act of [[Misconduct|gross misconduct]] under certain circumstances. In particular, this is the case when swearing accompanies insubordination against a superior or humiliation of a subordinate employee. However, in other cases, it may not be grounds for instant dismissal.<ref>[http://www.lindermyers.co.uk/is-swearing-in-the-workplace-legal/ Swearing in the Workplace]. Retrieved 19 November 2012.</ref> According to a UK site on work etiquette, the "fact that swearing is a part of everyday life means that we need to navigate away through a day in the office without offending anyone, while still appreciating that people do swear. Of course, there are different types of swearing and, without spelling it out, you really ought to avoid the 'worst words' regardless of who you're talking to".<ref name="worketiquette">[http://www.worketiquette.co.uk/swearing-workplace.html Work Etiquette&nbsp;– Swearing in the Workplace]. Retrieved 19 November 2012</ref> Within the UK, the appropriateness of swearing can vary largely by a person's industry of employment, though it is still not typically used in situations where employees of a higher position than oneself are present.<ref name="worketiquette" />

In 2006, ''[[The Guardian]]'' reported that "36% of the 308 UK senior managers and directors having responded to a survey accepted swearing as part of workplace culture", but warned about specific inappropriate uses of swearing such as when it is discriminatory or part of bullying behaviour. The article ended with a quotation from Ben Wilmott (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development): "Employers can ensure professional language in the workplace by having a well-drafted policy on bullying and harassment that emphasises how bad language has potential to amount to [[harassment]] or [[bullying]]."<ref>{{cite news|author=Matt Keating|url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2006/jun/03/careers.work|title=Should swearing be tolerated in the workplace?|newspaper=Guardian|date=3 June 2006|access-date=12 May 2010|location=London}}</ref>