Midjourney Banned Words: The Complete List You Need to Know

Midjourney is an AI image generation tool that utilizes text prompts to create images. However, to maintain a safe and respectful environment, the platform has implemented a list of banned words. These words are restricted from being used in prompts to prevent the generation of explicit or offensive content, which ensures that the images created are appropriate and align with community guidelines.

Understanding the banned words on Midjourney is crucial for users. By being aware of these restrictions, users can ensure that their image prompts are respectful, appropriate, and align with the platform's community guidelines. This knowledge empowers users to create successful and suitable image prompts while contributing to a positive and inclusive online environment.

So what are they?

No worries, in the following, we have listed the Midjourney banned words and categorized them.

Anyway, let's check these banned words that we have found by far.

Gore Words

Words that depict extreme violence, bloodshed, and graphic medical conditions or procedures. They are banned to prevent the creation of disturbing or shock-inducing imagery.

Violence and Injury

Words related to acts of physical force that result in harm, damage, or pain. The ban on these words helps to avoid generating images that portray violence or the aftermath of violent acts.

• Blood
• Bloodbath
• Bruises
• Car crash
• Corpse
• Cutting
• Decapitate
• Gruesome
• Infected
• Kill
• Sadist
• Slaughter
• Teratoma
• Tryphophobia
• Wound
• Cronenberg
• Khorne
• Cannibal
• Cannibalism
• Visceral

Medical Gore

Words associated with medical procedures that are graphically explicit or related to severe medical conditions, which are restricted to maintain the platform's content standards.

• Surgery
• Vivisection
• Massacre
• Hemoglobin
• Suicide

Adult Content Words

Words that are explicit or suggestive of adult themes are banned to maintain a PG-13 environment and prevent the generation of sexually explicit content.

Explicit Terms

Words that are directly related to adult content and explicit material. These words often refer to specific sexual acts, body parts, or pornographic content. Midjourney's filters are designed to detect and block these terms to prevent the generation of explicit or pornographic images.

• Porn
• Pornography
• xxx
• Erotic
• Erotica
• Sensual
• Orgasm
• Masturbation
• Ejaculation
• Genitalia (e.g., penis, vagina, vulva)
• Fetish
• Kink
• bdsm
• Stripper
• Prostitute
• Escort

Suggestive Content

Terms that may not be explicitly sexual but suggest adult themes or content. These words may be more subtle or euphemistic but could still be interpreted as having sexual undertones or implications.

• Seductive
• Provocative
• Alluring
• Lingerie
• Underwear
• Thong
• Sultry
• Voluptuous
• Curvaceous
• Twerk
• Grind
• Lap dance
• Flirtatious
• Suggestive
• Risqué
• Promiscuous
• Scandalous
• Indecent

Body Parts Words

Specific anatomical terms, especially those referring to private parts, are banned to avoid generating nudity or content that could be considered offensive or explicit.

Anatomical Terms

These are scientific or medical terms that precisely describe parts of the human body. They are restricted to avoid explicit depictions, especially of private areas.

• Gluteus
• Pectorals
• Quadriceps
• Biceps
• Triceps
• Hamstrings
• Deltoids
• Abdominals
• Obliques
• Latissimus
• Scapula
• Sternum
• Clavicle
• Pelvis
• Femur
• Tibia
• Fibula
• Metatarsals
• Phalanges
• Carpals
• Metacarpals
• Ulna
• Radius
• Humerus
• Cervical
• Thoracic
• Lumbar
• Sacral
• Coccygeal

Slang Terms

Colloquial terms or slang for body parts, often used in informal contexts. These are banned to maintain the platform's standards and prevent the creation of content that could be deemed offensive.

• Booty
• Tush
• Chest
• Abs
• Guns (for muscles)
• Pecs
• Quads
• Delts
• Lats
• Calves
• Glutes
• Buns
• Noggin (for head)
• Mitts (for hands)
• Dogs (for feet)
• Pipes (for veins)
• Gams (for legs)
• Keister
• Caboose
• Rump
• Flank
• Shank
• Thighs
• Forearms
• Biceps
• Traps
• Kisser (for mouth)
• Peepers (for eyes)
• Sniffer (for nose)
• Grin (for a smile)

Clothing Words

Terms that suggest a lack of clothing or refer to intimate apparel are banned to prevent the depiction of nudity and maintain the platform's content standards.

Lack of Clothing

Words that imply the absence of clothing or exposure of the body. These words often refer to states of undress or nudity. Midjourney's filters are designed to detect and block these terms to prevent the generation of explicit or pornographic images.

• Nude
• Naked
• Undressed
• Topless
• Shirtless
• Bare chest
• Exposed
• Revealing
• Uncovered
• Unclothed
• Disrobed
• Stripped
• Nudity
• Nakedness
• Bareness
• Au naturel
• Birthday suit
• In the buff

Intimate Apparel

This subcategory encompasses terms for clothing that is typically worn in private settings or associated with intimate situations. These words may suggest sexual undertones or implications, even if they do not explicitly refer to nudity.

• Lingerie
• Underwear
• Panties
• Bra
• Thong
• Garter belt
• Negligee
• Babydoll
• Chemise
• Corset
• Bustier
• Teddy
• Camisole
• Nightie
• Sleepwear
• Lace
• Satin
• Sheer (when referring to intimate apparel)

Taboo Words

Words related to socially forbidden or offensive topics, including discriminatory language, are banned to foster a respectful and inclusive community.

Sensitive Topics

Words related to subjects that are often avoided in polite conversation due to their potential to offend or cause discomfort.

• Nazi
• Fascist
• Cult
• Extremism
• Terrorism
• Abuse
• Suicide
• Murder
• Genocide
• Slavery
• Torture
• Rape
• Incest
• Kidnapping
• Terrorism
• Bombing
• Massacre
• Lynching
• Hate crime
• Human trafficking

Discriminatory Language

Terms in this subcategory could be used in a discriminatory or hateful context against individuals or groups based on race, gender, religion, or other identities. 

• Racist
• Sexist
• Homophobic
• Xenophobic
• Bigot
• Chauvinist
• Misogynist
• Misandrist
• Supremacist
• Ageist
• Sectarian
• Elitist
• Jingoist
• Prejudice
• Stereotype
• Bias
• Intolerance
• Discrimination
• Segregation
• Exclusion

Drugs Words

Names of illegal substances and terms associated with drug culture are banned to avoid promoting or depicting drug use and its associated behaviors.

Substance Names

Specific names of illegal or controlled substances. The ban on these words helps to avoid content that could be seen as glorifying or normalizing drug use.

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• Ecstasy
• LSD
• Psilocybin
• Opium
• Amphetamine
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Fentanyl
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Hydrocodone
• Codeine
• Ketamine
• Mescaline
• DMT
• GHB

Drug Culture

Terms in this subcategory are associated with drug culture, including slang and paraphernalia. They are restricted to discourage content related to drug activities and behaviors.

• Bong
• Pipe
• Joint
• Blunt
• Stoner
• High
• Tripping
• Dealer
• Trafficking
• Dosing
• Snorting
• Shooting up
• Rolling (as in rolling on ecstasy)
• Toking
• Vaping (when related to drug use)
• Edibles (when related to cannabis)
• Dabbing (when related to cannabis concentrates)
• Microdosing
• Buzz
• Fix

Illegal Activities Words

Words that describe or imply criminal actions or behaviors are banned to prevent content that could be seen as glorifying or encouraging illegal activities.

Criminal Actions

Words in this subcategory describe actions that are criminal in nature. They are prohibited to avoid content that could depict or suggest illegal activities.

• Arson
• Burglary
• Embezzlement
• Extortion
• Fraud
• Hacking
• Hijacking
• Human trafficking
• Kidnapping
• Laundering
• Looting
• Manslaughter
• Mugging
• Murder
• Piracy
• Poaching
• Racketeering
• Robbery
• Smuggling
• Terrorism

Dangerous Behaviors

Terms related to behaviors that are unsafe or pose a risk to others. These words are restricted to ensure content does not promote hazardous actions.

• Assault
• Battery
• Cyberbullying
• Drunk driving
• Endangerment
• Harassment
• Hazing
• Reckless driving
• Stalking
• Threatening
• Trespassing
• Vandalism
• Violence
• Weaponizing
• Witch hunt

Harassment Words

Terms that could be used to harass, bully, or stalk individuals or groups. Midjourney aims to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment, and therefore, it prohibits the use of words that could potentially enable or encourage harassment, bullying, or stalking behavior.

Bullying Language

Words that could be used to harass, intimidate, or bully individuals or groups based on their personal characteristics, identities, or beliefs. These words often involve derogatory language, insults, or slurs targeting specific groups.

• Homophobic slurs (e.g., f-word, d-word)
• Body-shaming terms (e.g., fatso, pig, whale)
• Ableist language (e.g., r-word, cr*pple, sp*z)
• Misogynistic terms (e.g., b*tch, c*nt, sl*t)
• Xenophobic slurs (e.g., terms targeting immigrants or refugees)
• Derogatory terms for religious or cultural groups

Stalking Terms

Terms related to unwanted or obsessive attention, monitoring, or pursuit of an individual or group. These words may suggest stalking behavior, invasion of privacy, or harassment through persistent and unwelcome advances.

• Stalk
• Stalker
• Stalking
• Peeping
• Peeping tom
• Voyeur
• Creep
• Creeper
• Creeping
• Obsess
• Obsession
• Obsessive
• Harass
• Harassment
• Harasser
• Lurk
• Lurker
• Lurking
• Prey
• Predator
• Preying

Aggressiveness Words

Terms that are indicative of threats, aggressive behavior, or hostility. These words are banned to prevent the generation of content that could be seen as promoting violence or antagonism.

Threatening Language

Words that express or imply threats and aggressive actions. The restriction of these terms helps to ensure that the content does not incite or depict threatening behavior.

• Annihilate
• Assault
• Destroy
• Harm
• Hunt
• Menace
• Murder
• Ravage
• Sabotage
• Strangle
• Terrorize
• Wreck

Hostile Terms

Terms in this subcategory are related to hostility or antagonism. They are banned to maintain a respectful and non-confrontational environment on the platform.

• Aggressor
• Belligerent
• Bully
• Combatant
• Enemy
• Fighter
• Hater
• Invader
• Opponent
• Rival
• War

Abusiveness Words

Terms that are insulting, demeaning, or used as slurs against individuals or groups. These words are banned to foster a respectful and positive community.

Insults and Slurs

Words that are derogatory and used to belittle or offend people based on their identity, appearance, or beliefs.

• Idiot
• Moron
• Dumb
• Stupid
• Fool
• Jerk
• Loser
• Clown
• Buffoon
• Dunce
• Imbecile
• Twit
• Bimbo
• Dimwit
• Dolt
• Ignoramus
• Nitwit
• Simpleton
• Airhead
• Blockhead

Degradatory Language

Terms in this subcategory are degrading and can undermine a person's dignity, often used to express contempt or disrespect.

• Trashy
• Cheap
• Tacky
• Vulgar
• Low-class
• Crass
• Nasty
• Sleazy
• Filthy
• Disgusting
• Lousy
• Shoddy
• Inferior
• Pathetic
• Pitiful
• Paltry
• Worthless
• Mediocre
• Subpar
• Second-rate

Discriminatory Words

Terms that can be used to discriminate against individuals or groups based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. These words are banned to promote a respectful and inclusive environment.

Racist Terms

Words that are used to express racial prejudice or discrimination. The ban on these words helps to prevent the spread of racism and maintain equality.

• Racist
• Supremacist
• Bigotry
• Ethnic cleansing
• Apartheid
• Segregation
• Xenophobia
• Nativism
• Eugenics
• Stereotype

Sexist Language

Terms in this subcategory are related to discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation. They are restricted to ensure content does not perpetuate sexism or gender bias.

• Sexist
• Misogyny
• Misandry
• Patriarchy
• Chauvinist
• Gender bias
• Homophobia
• Transphobia
• Gender roles
• Glass ceiling

Cultural Sensitivity Words

Terms that could be considered disrespectful or offensive to various cultures and practices. Midjourney bans these words to promote respect for cultural diversity and religious beliefs.

Cultural Appropriation

Words that refer to the adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture in a way that can be seen as disrespectful or inappropriate.

• Headdress
• Totem
• Tribal
• Exotic
• Savage
• Shaman
• Spirit animal
• Voodoo
• Witch doctor
• Oriental

Religious Disrespect

Terms in this subcategory are related to actions or attitudes that show a lack of respect for religious beliefs or practices.

• Blasphemy
• Heresy
• Infidel
• Profanity
• Sacrilege
• Idolatry
• Pagan
• Heathen
• Apostasy
• Desecration

More Midjourney Banned Words Related Topic That You Need to Know

Why are Certain Words Banned in Detail?

1. Creating a Safe Environment for All Ages: Midjourney is all about keeping things family-friendly and safe for everyone. By banning words related to adult content, gore, and hate speech, they're making sure that the platform remains a welcoming space for users of all ages. After all, nobody wants to stumble upon explicit or offensive content while they're just trying to have a good time, right?

2. Ethical AI Principles in Action: Now, let's talk about the ethical side of things. Midjourney is powered by AI, and with great power comes great responsibility. By having a list of banned words, they're taking a stand against the misuse of AI for generating illegal or abusive content. It's all about aligning with ethical AI development principles and preventing any potential harm that could come from the misuse of their technology.

3. Steering Clear of Legal Woes: Legal issues are no joke, and Midjourney is well aware of that. Allowing the generation of content related to copyrighted material, illegal activities, or hate speech could land them in hot water. By banning associated words, they're taking proactive steps to avoid any legal liabilities. It's a smart move that helps keep the platform out of trouble.

4. Fostering a Positive Community: Midjourney is all about building a positive and inclusive community. Banning words related to hate speech, harassment, and other offensive content is a key part of creating a welcoming environment for all users. After all, nobody wants to be surrounded by negativity, right? It's all about cultivating a respectful and supportive space for everyone to enjoy.

5. Maintaining Control Over the AI Model: Last but not least, let's talk about the AI model itself. Midjourney's AI is trained on a specific dataset, and allowing prompts with banned words could throw a wrench into the works. It could lead to unexpected or undesirable outputs that the model wasn't designed to generate, which would compromise the integrity of the entire system. By maintaining control over the words used in prompts, Midjourney is ensuring that the AI stays on track and delivers the kind of content users expect.

What Happens if You Use Midjourney Banned Words?

Wonder what happens when you use prohibited terms on the platform, or be curious about how Midjourney maintains a safe and respectful environment? Here it is,

1. Prompt Rejection: No-Go for Banned Words: Midjourney doesn't mess around when it comes to banned words. If you try to slip one past the filter, your prompt will be swiftly rejected. It's like a digital bouncer, keeping the unwanted terms from getting through the door. No image will be generated, and you'll be left wondering what went wrong.

2. Account Consequences: Play by the Rules: Repeatedly attempting to bypass the banned word filter or generate prohibited content can land you in hot water. Midjourney takes violations seriously, and that could mean a temporary suspension or even a permanent ban from the platform. It's a reminder to play by the rules and keep the community safe for everyone.

3. No Visual Output: AI Knows Best: Even if your prompt manages to slip through initially, Midjourney's AI model is trained to steer clear of generating images related to banned topics. Whether it's extreme violence, hate speech, or pornography, the AI has got it covered. So, if you're thinking you can outsmart the system, think again. No visual output will be produced.

4. Legal Ramifications: Extreme Cases: In extreme cases, attempting to create illegal content like child exploitation material or copyrighted works could lead to legal consequences. While this is rare for individual users, it's a stark reminder of the potential real-world implications of disregarding the rules.

How does Midjourney Enforce Its Banned Words Policy?

There are just a bunch of ways that Midjourney has applied to enforce its banned words policy, such as,

1. Automated Word Filters: Midjourney doesn't mess around when it comes to maintaining a safe space for its users. They've implemented automated filters that scan user prompts for banned words or phrases. These filters cover a wide range of topics, including violence, gore, explicit content, hate speech, and illegal activities. If a banned word is detected, the prompt is automatically rejected, and no image is generated. It's like having a digital bouncer at the door, ensuring that inappropriate content doesn't make it onto the platform.

2. AI Content Moderation: But wait, there's more! In addition to the word filters, Midjourney leverages AI systems to analyze the context and intent behind prompts. This means that even if a prompt doesn't contain explicit banned words, the AI can still flag it if it detects potential for generating harmful or inappropriate content. It's like having an extra set of eyes (or circuits) to catch anything that might slip through the cracks. And here's the cool part – users can appeal rejected prompts, which then go through a more advanced AI evaluation process. It's all about striking that balance between automation and human oversight.

3. Community Involvement: Midjourney understands the power of community. They actively encourage users to report any instances of inappropriate content or prompts that may have slipped through the filters. This collaborative approach doesn't stop there – the platform maintains a list of banned words, and users can suggest additions or removals based on their experiences. It's like crowd-sourcing the effort to keep the platform safe and welcoming for everyone. After all, it takes a village, right?

What is the Process for Removing a Word from Midjourney's Banned Words List?

Like what we have mentioned in the beginning of this blog post, users can ask for Midjourney to remove some banned words from the list, if they have the right reasons. And here are the ways that we have found and tested for you to do so.

1. Community Feedback and Suggestions: Midjourney values community involvement and welcomes user input on the banned words list. If you have a word in mind that you believe should be removed, you can share your reasoning and context through official feedback channels such as Discord servers or support emails. Your input matters, and Midjourney encourages users to actively participate in shaping the platform's language guidelines.

2. Collaborative Banned Words List: Midjourney maintains a collaborative list of banned words, allowing users to suggest additions or removals based on their experiences. While the exact process for proposing word removals is not specified, there may be a way for users to submit their suggestions through designated channels. This collaborative approach ensures that the banned words list remains dynamic and reflective of the community's needs and feedback.

3. Appeals Process: In the event that your prompt is flagged by Midjourney's AI moderation system, there is an appeals process in place. During this stage, users have the opportunity to provide context and explain the intent behind their prompts. If you believe that a certain word should be removed from the banned list due to legitimate, non-harmful use cases, the appeals process is the avenue to make your case. Your input can contribute to the ongoing refinement of the banned words list.

4. Regular Updates and Reviews: Midjourney's moderation team continuously reviews and updates the banned words list, taking into account emerging trends, user feedback, and evolving language usage. This proactive approach ensures that the list remains relevant and aligned with the community's needs. As a result, words that are no longer deemed necessary to ban may be removed based on the team's ongoing evaluations.

Conclusion

By understanding the list of banned words on Midjourney, users can contribute to a positive and respectful online community while utilizing the platform's AI image generation capabilities. Being mindful of these restrictions empowers users to create appropriate and inclusive image prompts, fostering a welcoming environment for all users.

As you engage with Midjourney, remember that respecting the platform's guidelines and community standards is essential for creating a positive and inclusive experience for all users.