[Ouisch]

Originally Posted by banderas

I wonder which ones are really offensive and which ones are listed as offensive by my dictionary only? If you are offended by this post just ingnore it, please but it is not my intention to offend anyone.

A lot of these are British usage (in fact, there are a few that I can't figure out), and won't get a reaction from AmE speakers. Some others are universally offensive.

Here go the words:

1.bu.mer
2. bu.ger

I can only guess at these - bummer? bugger?
In AmE, a "bummer" is something disappointing. "Oh, you didn't get that promotion? That's a bummer."
I only know about "bugger" from reading books about the British royal family; the word is not commonly used in AmE.

3. s.it

Very commonly used, but still considered a curse word, and isn't used, say, on television or radio. I wouldn't utter it in front of someone I've just met, or during a business meeting, but otherwise it's not all that offensive.

4. da.n

A very mild expletive. Even my dear sweet 70-something mother uses it without flinching.

6. basta.d, said to or about someone

If used in the literal sense, meaning a child of unmarried partners, it's rather blunt but not profane. To describe someone despicable or vicious, it's considered a profanity, but it is very commonly used. You should consider the person with whom you're speaking; do they seem very prim and proper and easily offended? Then avoid this word. Otherwise, they probably won't raise an eyebrow if you use it.

7. fa.got, said about someone

Considered extremely offensive in AmE. Could be considered "hate speech."

8. f.cking hell

Any phrase involving the dreaded "F bomb" (as f.ck is often described) is extremely profane and should be confined to casual conversation among friends.

9. pis. off

Sort of semi-naughty. Again, most people won't react one way or another if you say it, but there might be a few who are still offended by it.

10.be.t up

No clue as to what this is supposed to say.

11.s.d .off

Sod off is strictly British usage; most Americans would presume you were referring to grass and landscaping when you mention "sod."

12.c.nt

This word seems to be used a bit more casually in the UK than in the US. In AmE, it is considered extremely offensive.