The Allusionist 216. Four Letter Words: Terisk
Sep 8, 2025
Dive into the quirky world of language censorship, where innocent words are caught in a web of digital scrutiny. Hear about the unique history of Scunthorpe and its transformation from a collection of villages to a bustling town. Reflect on the unpredictability of legacy and community, and the heartfelt connections forged through local businesses. Plus, gain insights into the significance of beloved independent bookstores in maintaining cultural interactions. It's an educational yet entertaining exploration of language and community.
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Subtitle Asterisks During Watchalong
- The Illusionist community noticed repeated three-letter asterisks in Legally Blonde subtitles masking words like "associate" and "asset."
- Helen describes the weirdness that spoken words were uncensored while subtitles removed harmless strings containing "ass."
Why Overzealous Filters Break Content
- The Skunthorpe problem is when innocent strings trigger automated block lists because they contain rude substrings.
- Helen explains that programs use block lists and lack contextual understanding, causing overblocking in many online systems.
Real-Life Blocklist Mishaps
- Helen lists multiple real examples where filters blocked benign terms like Dominic Cummings hashtags, Plymouth's Ho, and the word bone at a paleontology conference.
- She notes publications and names like The Beaver and Horniman Museum experienced spam-level filtering due to innocent substrings.
