Base off the extended discussion on this question. I used the word idiot which as the definition shows is "formal". I, mistakenly, believed that this would be fine. It apparently was with a large number of upvotes (↑51, ↓4) but several flag were raised that the answer edited.
Just to be clear: I have no problem whatsoever in the answer being edited and being called out for using the term. None whatsoever. mxyzplk has done his job with great professionalism. This is not about that.
Is there a list of words/verbs that shall not be used?
If not, should there be one?
As a non-native speaker, I am sometimes baffled by what some of the members of this site think as offensive. And while offense is generally taken even if it is not intended, I wish to reduce the number of instances where I sound like an insulting cretin1.
1: I can insult myself right? ☺