The language used in the House must conform with a
number of rules. In the past, objection has been made to
insulting, coarse, or abusive language - especially directed
at another member - and to accusations of drunkenness,
false motives, and lying.
The Speaker can direct a Member who has used an
unsuitable word or phrase to withdraw it. Blackguard,
coward, guttersnipe, rat, swine, and traitor are all among the
words which Speakers have objected to over the years. However,
the cleverest members have often found ways to get round the rules - for example, when Winston Churchill substituted the phrase 'terminological inexactitude' for 'lie'.
