Poland’s war on swearing

The amended law on abusive language envisages fines of up to 3,000 zloty (750 euro), twice as much as current regulations allow for.

There is no official list of banned abusive words or phrases, however, and the law depends largely on the intention of the speaker and the situation where the phrase is used.

For the speaker of swear words to be fined it has to be evident that the words spoken were meant to humiliate or insult the addressee, though it is unclear how the police will react if a person expresses indignation or emotions with the use of vulgar language without the intention of insulting anyone.

The new regulation also envisages larger fines for destroying lawns, for loitering on the streets, for setting a dog on someone and for calling emergency services on wild goose chases. (ab/pg)