[Usenet; syn. disemvowel] To partially obscure a potentially
provocative word by substituting {splat} characters for some of its
letters (usually, but not always, the vowels). The purpose is not to
make the word unrecognizable but to make it a mention rather than a
use, so that no flamewar ensues. Words often splatted out include
N*z* (see {Godwin's Law}), k*bo* (see {KIBO}, sense 2), *v*l*t**n
(anywhere fundamentalists might be lurking), *b*rt**n, and g*n
c*ntr*l. Compare {UN*X}.
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {disemvowel}{UN*X}]