Simtel MSDOS 1992 September/Simtel20_Sept92.cdr/msdos/editor/gal210a3.arc/LIBEL.ANA

Text File | 1989-04-11 | 40KB | 734 lines

..comment
:     LIBEL Version 1.0    Copyright (c) 1985       Clarkson Software
                                                 (Brad Broughton & WDH)
..type
:            LIBELOUS TERMS

This section of the analyzer checks for libelous
terms. According to the _American _and _English _Encyclopedia _of _Law,

  "A libel is a malicious defamation expressed either by writing or printing
or by signs, pictures, effigies or the like; tending to blacken the memory of
one who is dead, or to impeach the honesty, integrity, virtue or reputation,
or to publish the natural or alleged defects of one who is alive and thereby
expose him to public hatred, contempt, ridicule, or obloquy; or to cause him
to be shunned or avoided, or to injure him in his office, business, or
occupation."

..clear
..type
:Terms such as the ones below may be reclassified into four kinds of
libel per se:

     1. Accusations or imputations of crime.

     2. Statements or insinuations of insanity or of loathsome or contagious
        disease.

     3. Assertions of lack of capacity to conduct one's business or profession.

     4. Any expression which tends to bring public hatred, contempt, scorn, or
        ridicule.

Think TWICE and then check TWICE before you use one of these terms or phrases
to refer to a person or organization.

..clear
..type
:NOTE:  This analyzer cannot contain all words that might at some time be
judged libelous. Many words in themselves are not considered libelous, but
become so in context.  The point of this exercise is to confirm for you that
you should use extreme care in choosing what you say about a person. Anger with
a person may cloud your judgment, so don't expect to "get even" or to "fix"
someone by using strong abusive language to or about him or her. NEVER write
and send a message in anger or revenge.


(Some of the terms in this section are taken from Murphy and Peck, _Effective
_Business _Communications; Paul Ashley, _Say _It _Safely; and  Bruce Sanford,
_Synopsis _of _the _Law _of _Libel _and _the _Right _of _Privacy).
..clear
..word
:.
.Abortionist 1
:You use the term  "abortionist."  This is a hot term these days. You should
choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Adulterer 1
:You use the term  "adulterer."  You accused someone of a crime; it certainly
is a word that is likely to inflame or insult the reader. Avoid doing so.
.Adultery 1
:You use the term "adultery."  You should choose a phrase or word less likely
to inflame or insult the reader.
.Alcoholic 1
:You called someone an "alcoholic." You had better be sure that he or she
suffers from the disease of alcoholism.  Just drinking a lot doesn't make
someone an "alcoholic" in the eyes of the law.
.Anarchist 1
:You use the term  "anarchist."  You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Atheist 1
:You use the term  "atheist."  You should choose a phrase or word less likely
to inflame or insult the reader. A person's religious beliefs or lack thereof
certainly is none of your business. Avoid this term.
.Bankrupt 1
:You use the term "bankrupt."   You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Bastard 1
:You called someone a "bastard." Don't insult the reader or his background with
such an inflammatory term.
.Bigamist 1
:You use the term  "bigamist."  You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader. This will get you in big trouble with
a lawsuit.  Can you prove he or she has committed bigamy?
.Blackguard 1
:You use the term "blackguard."  Do you realize that this term means someone
who is unscrupulous, and hence will do anything to gain his or her ends?  You
should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Blackmail 1
:You use the term "blackmail."   This states that someone is guilty of the
crime of blackmail. Can you prove that in court? You may have to try to prove
it if you use the term.
.Blackmailer 1
:You use the term "blackmailer."   This states that someone is guilty of the
crime of blackmail. Can you prove that in court? You may have to try to prove
it if you use the term.
.Blockhead 1
:You use the term "blockhead."  You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame the reader by  insulting his or her intelligence.
.Booze-hound 1
:You use the term "booze-hound."  You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader. The offensive connotation of this term
makes it legal dynamite when it is used to describe someone.
.Bribe 1
:You use the term "bribe."   You had better be able to prove in court that
someone took or offered a bribe before you throw this term into your writing
or speech. Otherwise, you'll end up in a lawsuit for libel.
.Bribery 1
:You use the term "bribery."   You had better be able to prove in court that
someone took or offered a bribe before you throw this term into your writing
or speech. Otherwise, you'll end up in a lawsuit for libel.
.Brothel 1
:You use the term  "brothel."  To say that someone owns, runs or even visits a
brothel is to accuse them of illegal activities.  Can you prove it to a judge
and jury? You must have such proof before you use the term.
.Charlatan 1
:You use the term  "charlatan." This term does not refer to someone from
Charlotte, NC, but rather it calls someone a fraud, a faker, or a quack.  Can
you prove that?
.Collusion 1
:You use the term "collusion." This word accuses someone of making a secret
agreement with another for illegal or deceitful the purposes. Are you certain
that such a deal was made, or does it just appear so? Can you prove it? If
not, then don't accuse someone of it.
.Communist 1
:You use the term "Communist."   Someone's political beliefs may appear to be
Marxist, or Communist, but unless you can prove that he or she is an actual
member of the Communist party, then don't call him or her a Communist.
.Corruption 1
:You use the term "corruption."  To accuse someone of corruption is to accuse
them of performing or of tolerating dishonest practices. Appearances may be
deceiving; get facts that will stand up in court before you accuse someone of
this.
.Coward 1
:You use the term "coward." One of the lowest of insults is to accuse someone
of actions caused by disgraceful fear. That hits a person in the core of his
or her moral being, and is one of the most inflammatory of insults.  You'll need
substantial proof in court to defend yourself on this one.
.Crook 1
:You use the term "crook."  Can you prove that someone is dishonest? Have you
evidence that they perform dishonest actions? Don't use the word unless you
can prove it.
.Crooks 1
:You use the term "crooks."  Can you prove that someone is dishonest? Have you
evidence that they perform dishonest actions? Don't use the word unless you
can prove it.
.Deadbeat 1
:You use the term "deadbeat."  Can you verify that someone doesn't pay his or
her bills, and tries to avoid settling his or her financial obligations?
You had better have a lot of information for this trial in court.
.Deadhead 1
:You use the term "deadhead." You insult someone's intelligence; you call
them stupid.   You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or
insult the reader's intelligence.
.Defaulter 1
:You use the term "defaulter."  This term denotes non-payment of financial
obligations.  Can you prove that the person deliberately chose not to pay? Can
you substantiate that he or she had not made arrangements for payment, unknown
to you?
.Disgraceful 1
:You use the term "disgraceful." Did the action referred to really cause the
loss of esteem to the individuals involved? Did it bring about humiliation or
ostracism?  If not, then don't say it.
.Dishonest 1
:You used the word "dishonest."   This is one of the lowest of insults. Can
you prove that someone uses deceptive and illegal means to accomplish his or
her ends? Can you prove that he or she lacks honesty or trustworthiness?
.Dishonesty 1
:You used the word "dishonesty."   This is one of the lowest of insults. Can
you prove that someone uses deceptive and illegal means to accomplish his or
her ends? Can you prove that he or she lacks honesty or trustworthiness?
.Dishonorable 1
:You use the term "dishonorable."   Did the actions or words referred to
actually cause shame, loss of honor or reputation? Can you prove it?
.Disreputable 1
:You use the term "disreputable."   You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Divorced 1
:You use the term "divorced."  Do you know for a fact that the person was
married and has been divorced?  Can you prove that such a marital status has a
deleterious affect  on the performance of certain duties or actions required
of the individual.
.Double-crosser 1
:You use the term "double-crosser."  You should choose a phrase
or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader. Can you prove that he or
she deceived you by double-dealing or betrayed you or someone else?
.Drunkard 1
:You use the term "drunkard." Just because someone may consume what seems to
you to be massive amounts of alcoholic beverages, you should be wary of
calling him or her a drunkard, for the term means someone who is habitually
drunk. Can you prove that? or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Ex-convict 1
:You use the term "ex-convict."  You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader. A person may have a jail record, but
the term "ex-convict" is libellous  because it connotes dishonesty and
untrustworthiness in all aspects of the person's character. That probably is
not the case. The jail record could be for civil disobedience, hardly an
action that denotes dishonesty.
.Fascist 1
:You use the term "fascist."  This term denotes someone whose political belief
centers on exalting nation and often race above any one individual, or a
belief in a centralized government headed by a dictator. Its connotation allies
it with the Italian pre-war government of Mussolini and by extension to the
Nazis of Germany. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or
insult the reader.
.Faker 1
:You use the term "faker."   Can you prove that someone uses deceit and fraud
to achieve his or her ends? You should choose a phrase or word less likely to
inflame or insult the reader.
.Fakers 1
:You use the term "fakers."   Can you prove that someone uses deceit and
fraud to achieve his or her ends? You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Falsified 1
:You use the term "falsified." You had better have substantial proof that
someone deliberately altered records or statements before accusing them of
this. It beings their honesty into question. Thus, you should choose a phrase
or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Fool 1
:You use the term "fool." Insulting someone's intelligence can be costly. You
should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Gangster 1
:You use the term "gangster."  Although it is a colorful term, you should
choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader. Can you
prove that the person is a member of the "gang" or of organized crime?
.Graft 1
:You use the term "graft." It accuses someone of fraud and bribery and
cheating others out of money.  You should choose a phrase or word less likely
to inflame or insult the reader.
.Grafter 1
:You use the term "grafter."   You should choose a phrase or word less likely
to inflame or insult the reader.
.Gypped 1
:You say someone "gypped" you.  That says he or she cheated you. If you can
prove it in court, you might get away with using it; otherwise you may find
yourself on the losing side in a libel case.
.Hoodlum 1
:You use the term "hoodlum." Is the person guilty of committing acts of
violence? That is what the term means. You should choose a term less likely to
infuriate or anger the reader.
.Hoodlums 1
:You use the term "hoodlums" to refer to someone's associates.  Are the
persons guilty of committing acts of violence? That is what the term means.
You should choose a term less likely to infuriate or anger the reader, and
certainly cause hard feelings.
.Humbug 1
:You use the term "humbug." Although connected in the popular mind with
Dickens' character, Scrooge, this term actually refers to something that was
designed to deceive and mislead. Is this what you want to say? Can you prove
it? You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the
reader.
.Hypocrite 1
:You use the term "hypocrite." Is it what you mean? The word means someone
who affects virtues and qualities he does not actually possess; he or she is a
self-liar: lying about him or herself. Is that the quality you mean to
describe?   You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or
insult the reader.
.Illegitimate 1
:You use the term "illegitimate."  Although the term means illegal and even
illogical, its common use refers to a person born out of wedlock, and connotes
the same as the term "bastard" as well. You should choose a phrase or word
less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Incompetent 1
:You use the term "incompetent."  As cautioned in items 3 and 4 at the
beginning of this program, you should beware of using any term which would
cast doubt on the ability of a person to do his or her job, or would cause his
or her peers from associating with him or her.  Just because you think that
someone did a poor job in his profession or trade, you hardly are in a
position to judge that person's competence. Criticize the quality of the work
produced or the job performed, not the abilities of the person performing it.
You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Inferior 1
:You use the term "inferior." No one likes to be thought of as having little
importance or worth, so do not use this word to refer to a person.   You
should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Infidelity 1
:You use the term "infidelity." Unless you have incontrovertible proof of
someone's unfaithfulness to a moral obligation, avoid using this word to
describe his or her activities. You should choose a phrase or word less likely
to inflame or insult the reader.
.Informer 1
:You use the term "informer." The connotation of betrayer or snitch or
tattletale makes this a libellous word.  Note the difference in connotation
between it and "informant." You should choose a phrase or word with a less
colorful connotation which also is likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Insolvent 1
:You use the term "insolvent."  Meaning the inability to pay debts as they
fall due, this word has picked up the connotation of someone being a
"deadbeat."  Can you prove that someone is unable to meet his or her financial
obligations?   You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or
insult the reader.
.Intimate 1
:You use the term "intimate." This is an acceptable term, but when used with
leering connotation, you could  get into trouble with the libel laws. Its
connotation has come to include sexual relations.  Can these be proved, or is
close friendship what you mean?  You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Intolerance 1
:You use the term "intolerance." Coming to mean bigoted or snobbishness,
this term connotes racial prejudice. Avoid it to avoid the libel courts.
.Kickbacks 1
:You use the term "kickbacks." Can you prove someone either offered or
received a pay-off? Can you verify in court that they either offered or
accepted bribes?  You had better be able to do so, or you shouldn't accuse
someone of taking or offering kickbacks.
.Liar 1
:You use the term "liar." Can you prove that his or her statements contains
untruths? That they were deliberately false?  If not, then don't call someone
a liar, or accuse them of lying.  You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Libertine 1
:You use the term "libertine."  This may sound like a romantic word, and a
slightly off-color compliment from the Victorian age, but that is far from the
case. It means someone whose morals are free from any restraint - someone who
will do anything. That can be interpreted by courts as defamation of
character, and can cost you plenty in fines and penalties. You should choose a
phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Lovemate 1
:You use the term "lovemate."  Another form of "cohabitation without benefit
of clergy", this is a borderline word. Roommate means one sharing a room; this
term implies a sexual involvement rather than just affection between two
individuals. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or
insult the reader.
.Mafioso 1
:You use the term "mafioso." Implying that someone has a direct link with
organized crime is a dangerous statement to make. It may be true, but proof
would be difficult to obtain, and without proof, you could lose a libel suit.
Don't use this word.
.Misappropriation 1
:You use the term "misappropriation."  Consider that this accuses someone of
theft.  Can that be proved in court? If not, then don't hurl such an
accusation, or you will probably be sued--and lose.
.Misconduct 1
:You use the term "misconduct." This means that someone deliberately and
intentionally violated the law or a standard of behavior. Intent is extremely
difficult to prove.  You should choose a word less likely to inflame
or insult the reader.
.Misrepresentation 1
:You use the term "misrepresentation."   Do you realize that this accuses a
person of giving false or misleading information with the intent to deceive or
to be unfair? Can you prove this intent? You should choose a phrase or word
less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Nazi 1
:You use the term "Nazi." Although legally this means only someone who was a
member of the German fascist party under Hitler, its connotation has come to
imply a person of the worst kind, for it conjures up all sorts of evil visions
of cruelty and barbaric actions.  You should use a word less likely to anger or
arouse the reader.
.Paramour 1
:You use the term "paramour." A paramour is an illicit lover. CAn you prove that
someone is an illicit lover of someone else? You should choose a phrase or word
less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Perjurer 1
:You use the term "perjurer." Perjury, that is, lying when one is under oath
to tell the truth, is so serious an offense that one found guilty of it can
spend lengthy time in prison. To make such an accusation is a serious charge.
Can you prove that the person actually lied knowingly under oath?  If not, you
are in for big trouble. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to
inflame or insult the reader.
.Philanderer 1
:You use the term  "philanderer." This may sound like an innocent term, but
it actually means someone who makes love to another to whom marriage is
impossible, or with no intention of proposing marriage. You should choose a
phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Plagiarist 1
:You use the term  "plagiarist."  Can you prove that the person actually copied
the works of another and passed them off as his or her own work?  This
seriously damages someone's reputation, so you should not hurl this
accusation lightly. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame
or insult the reader.
.Profiteer 1
:You use the term "profiteer."  This term insults the motives a person because
it means making  an unreasonable profit, especially during the times of an
emergency. It connotes both greed and illegal actions.  You should choose a
phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Promiscuous 1
:You use the term  "promiscuous."  Although this word means indiscriminate,
it has come to mean sharing one's sexual favors with any and all who ask for
them. That is a dangerous accusation to make, and could cost you dearly in
court. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the
reader.
.Quack 1
:You use the term "quack." This word could destroy a doctor's reputation,
and lower him or her in the eyes of peers and prospective patients, for it
means that he or she does not know nor is trained adequately to cure diseases.
It says that he or she is incompetent.  Can that be verified? Can evidence  be
produced to support your claim?   You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Racketeer 1
:You use the term "racketeer."  A racketeer is someone who obtains money by an
illegal enterprise usually involving intimidation or threats. You should choose
a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Racketeers 1
:You use the term "racketeers."  A racketeer is someone who obtains money by an
illegal enterprise usually involving intimidation or threats. You should not
use such a term to refer to someone's associates or colleagues; you will
infuriate them by doing so.
.Rascal 1
:You use the term  "rascal."  This means someone who is mean, unprincipled and
dishonest. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult
the reader.
.Rogue 1
:You use the term "rogue." This means someone who is dishonest and worthless.
You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Scandalmonger 1
:You use the term "scandalmonger." This refers to someone who spreads stories
about someone else with the intention of discrediting and disgracing that
person. It goes far beyond simple gossiping, and involves the intent to damage
someone's reputation.  Intent is extremely difficult to prove. You should
choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Scofflaw 1
:You use the term "scofflaw." You should realize that it means someone who
scoffs at the law, hence a contemptuous law breaker. That will infuriate
someone, and probably will lead them to take legal action against you.
.Scoundrel 1
:You use the term  "scoundrel." Similar to the word rogue, this accuses someone
of being disreputable. Can you prove that in court? You should choose a phrase
or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Seducer 1
:You use the term "seducer." A seducer actually is someone who persuades
another to disobedience or disloyalty, but the connotation includes evil
intentions involving sexual relations, especially with innocent young
girls. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the
reader.
.Shady 1
:You use the term  "shady."  This means uncertain, unreliable, and
disreputable. Co you mean that?   You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Shyster 1
:You use the term "shyster."  As  the term quack usually refers to doctors,
so this term refers to lawyers who are incompetent, unscrupulous and/or
dishonest.  You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult
the reader.
.Skunk 1
:You use the term "skunk."  You should choose a phrase or word less likely to
inflame or insult the reader.
.Slacker 1
:You use the term "slacker." Although this means someone who shirks work or
obligations, it has come to mean someone who evades military service in the
time of war or emergency. It is equivalent to the term "draft-dodger", and
casts doubt on the courage and patriotism of the individual.You should choose
a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Sneak 1
:You use the term "sneak."  Although this means someone who acts in a
stealthy, furtive or shifty manner, its connotation carries with it the
concept of illegal and dishonest actions.  You should choose a phrase or
word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Spy 1
:You use the term "spy."  Can you prove that the person is guilty of espionage?
Have you facts that establish he or she acted to collect information that was
to be passed on to a hostile party? You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Stupid 1
:You used the term "stupid" to refer to someone's mental capacity. That will
certainly cause hard feelings and result in the more serious consequences
of a lawsuit to yourself.
.Stupidity 1
:You use the term "stupidity." It insults the readers deeply; use a different
term.
.Suicide 1
:You use the term "suicide."  You should choose a phrase or word less likely to
inflame or insult the reader.
.Swindle 1
:You use the term "swindle."  This means obtaining money or property by fraud
or deceit. Can you prove that? What may seem fraudulent or deceitful actions
may be quite legal in the eyes of the law.  You should choose a phrase or word
less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Swindler 1
:You use the term "swindler."  This means someone who obtained money or
property by fraud or deceit. Can you prove that? What may seem fraudulent or
deceitful actions may be quite legal in the eyes of the law.  You should choose
a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Thief 1
:You use the term "thief."  Can you prove that the person stole something?  You
should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Unchaste 1
:You use the term "unchaste."  This means that someone is profligate, or is
promiscuous. Careful. That can damage one's reputation badly, and thus can cost
you a lot of money in court. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to
inflame or insult the reader.
.Unethical 1
:You use the term "unethical."  This accuses someone of not having any ethics,
any moral values, or an action of not being legal or acceptable.  As that
would lower a person in the eyes of peers and society, the courts have ruled
against persons making such an accusation.  You should choose a phrase or word
less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Unprofessional 1
:You use the term "unprofessional." Definitely a word to lower someone in the
eyes of society.  You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or
insult the reader.
.Villain 1
:You use the term  "villain."  Despite its meaning of someone who is uncouth,
it has come to mean someone who is a deliberate scoundrel or criminal, and
usually involved in illegal activities.  You should choose a phrase or word
less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Weasel 1
:You use the term "weasel." That is an insult, for a weasel is a sneaky
animal, so by extension, you are calling someone sneaky. Use a different term.
.Worthless 1
:You use the term "worthless."   You should choose a phrase
or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
..none
:No obviously libelous phrases were found in this text.  Phrases will now be
checked.

..allphrase
:.
.Adulteration of products
:You use the phrase "adulteration of products."  That is a serious charge.
Unless you can prove it solidly, do not throw that accusation at anyone.You
should choose a phrase less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Altered records
:You use the term "altered records." Behind this charge lies the implication
that someone was trying to cover up or to hide something. Suspicions aren't
enough; have proof or avoid this charge. You should choose a phrase or word
less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Ambulance chaser
:You use the term  "ambulance chaser."  Just like "shyster" so this accuses
a lawyer of unprofessional conduct.  Don't do it. You should choose a phrase or
word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Attempted suicide
:You use the phrase "attempted suicide."  Implying an unbalanced mind, this
charge is difficult to prove.  Don't use this. You should choose a phrase or
word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Bad moral character
:You use the term "bad moral character." How does one define the word "bad."
Don't use this. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or
insult the reader.
.Booze hound
:You use the term  "booze hound." Obviously a slang term for alcoholic, this
connotes drunkenness and squandering money.  It is character assassination.
You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the
reader.
.Buys votes
:You use the term  "buys votes." Certainly an illegal practice for any
candidate to engage in, this implies that someone used fraudulent means to
obtain votes. That is a difficult matter to verify. You should choose a phrase
or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Con man
:You use the term  "con man."  A "con man," short for confidence man, is
someone who uses any means, fair or foul, legal or illegal to persuade  another
to buy something or to agree to some deal. You should choose a phrase or word
less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Disorderly house
:You use the term "disorderly house."  This is another term for "whore house"
with all its implications. It is not cute, any more than referring to a
prostitute as a "naughty lady" is cute, and the courts have ruled against such
"cutenesses." You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or
insult the reader.
.Drug addict
:You use the term "drug addict." Be careful.    You should choose a phrase
or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.False weights used
:You use the phrase "false weights used."  Can this be proved in court?  You
should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Fawning sycophant
:You use the term  "fawning sycophant." Connotation of this term is a
boot-licker, an apple polisher, a brown noser.  You are on dangerous ground to
accuse someone of being a self-seeking flatterer of someone else. You should
choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Gambling house
:You use the term "gambling house."  You should choose a phrase
or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Gouged money
:You use the phrase "gouged money." To gouge is to cheat. Do you really mean
that someone cheated  another out of some money?  You should choose a phrase or
word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Groveling office seeker
:You use the phrase "groveling office seeker."  This connotes that the person
would do anything: beg, borrow or steal; agree to any deal;
promise anything to get elected. You should choose a phrase or word less likely
to inflame or insult the reader.
.Illicit relations
:You use the term  "illicit relations." This connotes sexual liaison between
two people who are married to two others. Use it with extreme caution.  You
should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Jekyll-Hyde personality
:You use the term "Jekyll-Hyde personality."  Referring to the Robert Louis
Stevenson short story, this implies that the person referred to is one type
of person for one situation and the complete opposite for another.  It also
implies instability. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame
or insult the reader.
.Kept woman
:You use the term "kept woman."  This is a euphemism for a "mistress" and
connotes an illicit relationship between a man and a female acquaintance.
You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Ku Klux Klan
:You use the phrase "Ku Klux Klan." To accuse someone of membership in this
racist organization is to smear their name with a tar brush. You should choose
a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Mental disease
:You use the phrase "mental disease."  This states that someone is mentally
ill, and connotes instability.  You should choose a phrase or word less likely
to inflame or insult the reader.
.Moral delinquency
:You use the phrase "moral delinquency." This states that the person willingly
has performed or tolerated immoral acts.  How can you prove that? You should
choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Peeping Tom
:You use the term "peeping Tom."  This accuses someone of voyeurism, of
sneakily intruding into the private life of someone else.  You should choose a
phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Pockets public funds
:You use the phrase "pockets public funds." This accuses a political figure
of stealing. That is dangerous. Even though public figures are fair targets
for much tough criticism, accusations like this will get you in court
quickly, for they can destroy a political figure's reputation, and he or she
must have recourse in the courts to such smears.You should choose a phrase or
word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Sharp dealing
:You use the phrase "sharp dealing." Implications here are crooked dealings.
Don't accuse someone of being crooked or you will end up in court on the losing
side of a slander or libel case.You should choose a phrase or word less likely
to inflame or insult the reader.
.Short in accounts
:You use the phrase "short in accounts."  Especially for an accountant, this
accuses someone of stealing money entrusted to him or her by someone else. AN
accountant must be trustworthy, and accusing one of theft certainly is
character assassination.  You should choose a phrase or word less likely to
inflame or insult the reader.
.Smooth and tricky
:You use the phrase "smooth and tricky." This connotes a shady, underhanded and
sneaky type of person who talks convincingly, but who has ulterior and devious
motives and methods.  You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame
or insult the reader.
.S.O.B.
:You use the phrase "s.o.b.".  This is obvious; you are calling someone a son
of a bitch.  Don't do it. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to
inflame or insult the reader.
.Sold his influence
:You use the phrase "sold his influence."  This says that someone would do
anything for money, that he or she had no moral values to be upheld, but would
do or say almost anything if the payment were satisfactory. You should choose a
phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Selling out
:You use the phrase "sell out."  This accuses someone of accepting
payment of some sort to deliberately lose a competition or to betray a person
or cause.  That reveals a weakness in moral character. You should choose a
phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Sold out to a rival
:You use the phrase "sold out to a rival."  This accuses someone of accepting
payment of some sort to deliberately lose a competition.  That reveals a
weakness in moral character. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to
inflame or insult the reader.
.Stool pigeon
:You use the phrase "stool pigeon." This accuses someone of being an
"informer", that is, of informing the authorities about the actions of someone
else.  The connotation of betrayer or snitch or tattletale makes this a
libellous phrase.  Note the difference in connotation between it and
"informant." You should choose a phrase or word with a less colorful
connotation which also is likely to inflame or insult the reader. You should
choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.

.Stuffed the ballot box
:You use the phrase "stuffed the ballot box."  This accuses someone of buying
votes, of having more votes cast  for him or his cause than were legally
allowed.  You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult
the reader.
.Tricky and dishonest
:You use the phrase "tricky and dishonest." This connotes a shady, underhanded
and sneaky type of person who talks convincingly, but who has ulterior and
devious motives and methods.  You should choose a phrase or word less likely to
inflame or insult the reader.
.Unmarried mother
:You use the phrase "unmarried mother." Although this is becoming a commonplace
event these days, still to call someone this is to accuse her of violating the
established social customs and mores of the time which demand that women be
married before they bear children.  Use this with extreme caution.You should
choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Unprofessional conduct
:You use the phrase "unprofessional conduct." This is a real slur on one's
character, for it connotes the worst imaginable actions that someone in that
profession would never dream of performing.  You should not insult the reader
with such a term
.Unsound mind
:You use the phrase "unsound mind."   Just like "mental disease," so this
connotes instability, and even insanity.  Sanity is a relative matter, so never
call someone insane or of unsound mind. You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Unworthy of credit
:You use the phrase "unworthy of credit."  This slurs someone's character by
saying that actions on a person's part have been so odious that no one would
risk extending credit him or her. You should choose a phrase or word less
likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Vice den
:You use the term  "vice den."  This calls on the imagination of the reader
to depict the most lurid of places where women are beaten and whipped, and
gamblers cheat people of their treasured possessions and villains force
innocent people to become drug addicts, and so on.  You should choose a phrase
or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Whoremonger
:When you call someone a "whoremonger," you also are calling him a pimp, for
the two are the same profession.  Common sense should tell you that using the
word "whore" is a dangerous thing to do, so combining it to make a longer word
is doubly dangerous.
..allcond
:.
.Cheat*
:You use some form of the word "cheat." Have you
evidence that someone uses or used illegal or
deceptive means to achieve his or her desired ends? If you can't prove it, then
don't say it.
.Crook*
:When you call someone a crook or crooked, you are skating on thin ice, for
those are terms that will get you into trouble, and into court.
.Extort*
:You use some form of the term "extort." Can you prove
that the person uses force or intimidation
to achieve his or her ends?  You should choose a phrase
or word less likely to inflame or insult the reader.
.Fake*
:Saying someone is a fake or a faker, or some form of the word "fake," you are
asking for legal troubles.  Resisting the temptation to retaliate to a
grievance or an insult by calling someone a faker could well save you a lot
of time, headaches and money.
.*fraud*
:You used some form of the word "fraud" or "defraud." Can you be certain
that it is true? Have you hard proof that someone
used deceit or trickery to obtain money or some item
of value from someone else? Don't say someone defrauded another unless you
have the proof that will stand up in court.
.*tricky*
:You use some form of the word "tricky" This connotes a shady, underhanded and
sneaky type of person who talks convincingly, but who has ulterior and devious
motives and methods.  You should choose a phrase or word less likely to inflame
or insult the reader.
.whore*
:You use the term  "whore." That accuses a woman of being unchaste,
profligate, promiscuous, and free with her sexual activities. That is a
difficult thing to prove. You should choose a phrase or word less likely to
inflame or insult the reader.
..none
:No obviously libelous phrases were found here.
..end