There is a phenomenon, and there is a word

Correspondence of Dmitry Muratov with Roskomnadzor about the word “Mudilo” (the material first came out in 2017)

From ancient times, censorship departments in Russia have been famous for their high level of culture. The current Roskomnadzor is not behind, whose officials are always ready to support the literary game proposed by representatives of the Mass Media industry.

As an example, we present our business correspondence. In the newspaper, we were actually extremely concerned about the question of how to be with the word “mudila”, since this concept indicates a whole class of phenomena of surrounding reality: is it really necessary not to notice them? And in response to our request A.A. Zharov reassured us: “Mudile” to be. Although, according to the official, it is better to do without this, because in the Russian language there are so many nuances and synonyms.

This material was published in No. 78 (2655) of July 21, 2017. We published it in an anniversary issue. You can buy it here

Head of the Federal Service for Supervision

In the field of communication, information technology

and mass communications (Roskomnadzor)

Zharov A.A.

Deeply Reasonable Alexander Alexandrovich!

We turn to you for an explanation on the delicate problem of our professional activity. We are talking about the rules for the use of obscene vocabulary (mat) in newspaper materials. We carefully studied the swearing words included in the organization led by you in the list of prohibited for publication. These prohibitions were brought to the attention of all newspaper employees, which they are guided in their work, being law -abiding citizens interested in the normal, non -conflict functioning of the printed body in which they serve.

Nevertheless, we are also alarmed in order to avoid annoying mistakes that can lead to a warning to the newspaper (which, of course, is not in the interests of the labor collective), please explain some of the nuances that are important to us important for the uninterrupted correct work, namely: is it possible to use in newspaper texts, undoubtedly, the abusive word “mudilo” (“asshole”)? Opinions on this subject of our publication dispersed: some argue that the above word is not on the forbidden list, while others are sure that its use will turn into a warning to the newspaper from Roskomnadzor, despite, despite the absence of this word in the list of prohibited for publication.

In addition, dear Alexander Alexandrovich, this is a phenomenon. But no word?

We are looking forward to your official explanations of the created conflict. Your answer will certainly be published in the newspaper, our colleagues in the journalistic workshop will be able to use it in their professional activities.

Sincerely, editor -in -chief

YES. Muratov

Dear Dmitry Andreevich!

In response to your request dated July 6, 2017 No. NG-395/P-2, I inform that the phenomenon described by you is really found in nature.

Moreover, in the Russian language there are both the words you mentioned and their derivatives, characterizing this phenomenon. I must say that the words that are devoted to your request belong to the abuse are not obscene, which means that Article 4 of the Law of the Russian Federation dated December 27, 1991 No. 2124-1 “On the Mass Media” do not fall under the scope of Article 4 of the Law of the Russian Federation.

At the same time, I would like to remind you that one of the unconditional advantages of the Russian language is a huge number of synonyms for most words and expressions that allow you to describe any phenomenon and condition in the smallest nuances, without resorting to vulgar and swearing epithets, and appropriate in any context and in any society.

With the wish of new creative successes, A.A. Fryarov

Under the text
The word "asshole" is still not prohibited by Russian law. This is our gift to you. You didn't know what to call it all? Use! So far, you can.