MM links game

[Meg]

For the link to the clue ball I added a four letter word to make the name of a common bathroom device (which is also the term used for a male bird). My answer came up with 4 asterisks after ball. I am aware that this can be a vulgar term in a certain context and did note that nobody else came up with that link, surprisingly, as it is quite a commom term. Can anyone give me an explanation, thanks, it's been bugging me all day.

[grasscarp]

If you want an explanation for the asterisks - it is probably something automatic which detects words which might give offence. It is not sophisticated enough to know when the word is quite innocent in the context.

[JoolsTwo]

I think you can get round it by putting - C0ck - it doesn't pick it up if you use the zero as the O.

[Meg]

Thanks, you are both confirming what I was thinking, it does seem a bit puritan though.

[grasscarp]

On Body & Soul posts anything goes. They put their own versions of words to get round the censorship.

[Meg]

I'm now assuming that any word that could cause offence is censored on this site, bit silly really but I still enjoy this section.

[grasscarp]

so do I.

[gen2]

Some words that used to be automatically censored, are now allowed through so obviously the software can be fine-tuned if the Techies put their minds to it. It is now safe to say Scunthorpe, ********** and cockatoo, but not the one you chose.

[gen2]

Oh!

I thought Rembtandt's famous painting was now acceptable but it appears not. :-(