Can You Say Retard on Twitch in 2024 – Complete Explanation

Since Twitch implemented the Hateful Conduct and Harassment policy in 2018, many individuals have been banned for using the r-word or f-word.

In this article, we will explore Twitch’s Hateful Conduct and Harassment policy in detail and examine when it is acceptable to use the r-word.

Can You Say Retard on Twitch?

The primary concern with using the r-word or any other non-racist derogatory term on Twitch is that the rules of conduct are ambiguous.

You have a zero-tolerance policy that depends on the context of what was said and done. Consequently, there may be a significant number of false positives.

More specifically, there may be content that is playful and well-intentioned but is perceived as hateful by some individuals.

However, it is possible for hateful content to be presented playfully, allowing it to fly over some people’s heads.

One thing that irritates me, if I may say so, is that some of the bans resulting from the use of certain prohibited words are truly unwarranted.

For example, there have been instances where streamers were banned for referring to a troll who was harassing them with a particular word, while the troll faced no consequences.

It’s completely unfair; I believe we can all agree!

Twitch’s Hateful Conduct and Harassment Policy

Twitch’s harassment policies were significantly more lenient in 2011, which feels like a lifetime ago. However, despite this, they never condoned or encouraged the use of derogatory terms such as “retard” or “faggot”.

However, in February 2018, Twitch launched a new set of community guidelines and expanded them to be more restrictive in January 2021. The company has aimed to crack down on hateful language, including humor that is deemed offensive.

Following the introduction of the new guidelines, the first high-profile streamer to face punishment was Destiny.

A streamer who, in addition to streaming Hearthstone, is recognized on Twitch for discussing political topics that some may consider controversial.

Although his jokes and language are often deemed offensive, Destiny has cultivated a loyal following.

Destiny received a 30-day ban for violating, as he stated, two guidelines.

The first reason was that he used derogatory terms, specifically the f-word and the r-word, toward a person he was talking to on stream.

The second reason was that, during one of Destiny’s streams, he had a conversation with his mother in which he proposed that the United States should shoot Cubans who were swimming over to them.

Destiny stated that the second offense is what led to his suspension.

And there is a good reason for it, if you ask me.

Harassment on Twitch

Over time, Twitch has implemented a zero-tolerance policy regarding hateful content, meaning they will not accept any content or activity that advocates for, encourages, or facilitates discrimination, denigration, objectification, harassment, or violence based on:

In other words, using racial slurs like the n-word, referring to someone as a “faggot” or “retard,” or saying “shoot Cubans” is typically regarded as a zero-tolerance violation. This may lead to a temporary suspension, which can range from a one-day ban to a 30-day ban, or even an indefinite suspension.

Streamers Must Also Be Accountable for Their Audience’s Actions

The hateful conduct and harassment policy applies not only to the actions of the streamer but also to the behavior and comments of their chat.

Streamers have faced numerous bans for opening links, pictures, or videos shared by their audience in chat.

Even with moderators present in the chat, an individual may still send a link containing hateful content, potentially leading to the streamer being banned.

This is particularly true for popular streamers who may have tens of thousands of viewers in chat.

Some streamers have also faced bans after reports indicated that several individuals from their chat went to another streamer’s chat to harass them.

This presents a significant risk for streamers, as they may face indefinite suspension or banning due to the actions of one individual.

Is There an Acceptable Excuse for Such Conduct?

Twitch clearly states in their Hateful Conduct and Harassment policy that they support users who express diverse or unpopular viewpoints in humorous or controversial manners, provided that the intent is made clear.

This indicates that context is important.

Some Twitch community members believe that the same standards should apply to inappropriate language.

They explain that the term “faggot” has legitimate uses as well, such as denoting a cigarette or a bundle of sticks, for example.

Additionally, the term “retarded” is a medical term in its own right. However, it is considered outdated, and some might even argue that it is unethical.

For these reasons, some members of the Twitch community believe that the r-word and the f-word should not be classified as a zero-tolerance violation.

For instance, popular streamer Asmongold remarked that there is nothing wrong with using the r-word and that those who become upset about it are simply foolish.

On the other hand, xQc, one of the platform’s most popular streamers with over 9.9 million followers, has faced criticism in the past for using derogatory terms. He has stated that he does not support the use of the r-word, but that his stance is not related to the Twitch chat rules and regulations; instead, it is a matter of personal choice.

Final Word

Currently, Twitch has not officially included the word “retard” on its list of banned words, but it is strongly advised against using it.

Even in situations where you use some of the banned words “correctly” or in different contexts, or when you are simply trying to retaliate against internet trolls, you can still be banned, while the trolls may escape unscathed!

Ultimately, it may not be banned per se, but you could face consequences if caught. Therefore, if someone is acting foolishly, it might be best to meditate it out 😉