The use of inappropriate and offensive language is not allowed. To help prevent the harassment of other players, we have implemented an array of in-game tools that players can use to help protect themselves from such abuse, including:

Ignore List
Mature Language Filter
Channel Management
Right-click > Report

Below are guidelines to help determine whether or not certain language is appropriate for the World of Warcraft. We tried to encompass all manner of barred language below, but there may be inappropriate language that does not fit into any of these categories. We reserve the right to evaluate each incident on a case-by-case basis. In extreme cases, we may take action beyond what is detailed here.

Real-Life Information and Threats
This category includes both clear and masked language which:

Refers to violence in any capacity that is not directly related to the game world.
Releases any real life information about other players or Blizzard employees.

Any player found in violation of this policy may receive:

A lengthy suspension from the game in which the infraction occurred.
A final warning; any further ToU violations will result in permanent account closure.

Note: In cases where we feel that there is a legitimate threat to individuals or property, Blizzard Entertainment may contact appropriate local, state, or national authorities, depending on the severity of the threat, to ensure a safe and complete resolution for all involved parties. If you ever feel that you are personally threatened in a Blizzard game or online environment, please report the issue to us immediately.

Highly Inappropriate
The categories below detail language deemed to be highly inappropriate:

Racial/Ethnic
This category includes both clear and masked language which:

Promotes racial/ethnic hatred.
Is recognized as a racial/ethnic slur.
Alludes to symbols of racial/ethnic hatred.

Extreme Sexuality/Violence
This category includes both clear and masked language which:

Refers to extreme and/or violent sexual acts.
Refers to extremely violent real life actions.

National
This category includes both clear and masked language which:

Promotes national hatred.
Is recognized as a national slur.
Alludes to symbols of national hatred.

Sexual Orientation
This category includes both clear and masked language which:

Insultingly refers to any aspect of sexual orientation pertaining to themselves or other players.

Any player found in violation of this policy may receive:

A warning.
A temporary suspension from the game.
A Final Warning, with any further ToU violations resulting in account closure.

Moderately Inappropriate
The categories below detail language deemed to be moderately inappropriate:

Zone/Area Disruption
This category includes language and/or actions intended to disturb groups of players or areas of the world, such as:

Disruption of player sponsored events or gatherings.
Excessive use of in-game sounds or visuals.
Excessively casting spells with noticeable effects in crowded areas.
Impeding or blocking access to an NPC, doodad, doorway, or any other area of the world that a player would normally be able to access.

Obscene/Vulgar
This category includes both clear and masked language which:

Is crude and offensive in nature.
Is an inappropriate reference to human anatomy or bodily functions.
Is pornographic in nature.

Inappropriate
This category includes both clear and masked language which:

Is a mildly inappropriate reference to human anatomy or bodily functions.
Is otherwise considered objectionable.

Harassing or Defamatory
This category includes both clear and masked language which:

Insultingly refers to other characters, players, Blizzard employees, or groups of people, be they in-game or external.

Major Religions or Religious Figures
This category includes both clear and masked language which:

Negatively portrays major religions or religious figures.

Illegal Drugs or Activities
This category includes both clear and masked language which:

References to abusing illegal drugs.
References to performing illegal activities.

Spamming
This category includes:

Excessively communicating the same phrase, similar phrases, or pure gibberish.
Repetition of the same phrase more than once in a period of 30 seconds.