Content Guidelines
Last updated: January 2026 | Version 1.0
The golden rule: rude is fine. Offensive humour is fine. Actual hatred, porn, or illegal stuff is not. Use common sense.
Rude Gifts is a marketplace for humorous, irreverent, and adult-themed products. We celebrate cheeky, edgy, and boundary-pushing content, but there are limits. These guidelines explain the difference between "rude but harmless" and "actually offensive."
1. What makes Rude Gifts different
We specifically welcome content that might be too "adult" or "edgy" for mainstream platforms:
- Products aimed at adults
- Humour that pushes boundaries
- Content that makes people laugh (even if it's a bit naughty)
- Cards and gifts you'd be embarrassed to buy at the supermarket
But being edgy isn't the same as being harmful. We draw a clear line between content that's "rude but fun" and content that's genuinely offensive.
2. What you CAN sell
Adult humour and innuendo
Double meanings, suggestive jokes, references to adult activities
Example: "I like big bundts and I cannot lie" (with a cake image)
Mild to moderate swearing
Common swear words used humorously, not aggressively
Example: "Happy Birthday, you old fart"
Satirical and political humour
Making fun of politicians, current events, social issues
Example: Cards satirising Brexit, political figures, or news events
Self-deprecating humour
Jokes about aging, hangovers, bad decisions, adulting
Example: "Another year closer to needing reading glasses for birthday cards"
Dark humour
Jokes about difficult topics, handled thoughtfully
Example: "Congratulations on your divorce — said no card ever (until now)"
Cheeky relationship humour
Playful insults between friends, relationship jokes
Example: "I love you even though you're a knob"
3. What you CANNOT sell
Hate speech and discrimination
Content that attacks or demeans people based on race, religion, gender, sexuality, disability, nationality, or other protected characteristics
This is never acceptable, even if framed as "humour"
Content promoting violence
Glorifying, encouraging, or threatening violence against any person or group
Exception: Clearly fictional/cartoon violence in context
Sexually explicit / pornographic material
Graphic sexual imagery, explicit nudity for sexual purposes
Innuendo and suggestive content is fine; explicit imagery is not
Illegal content
Anything illegal to sell in the UK, promoting illegal activities, drug paraphernalia
Intellectual property infringement
Using trademarked logos, copyrighted images, or characters without permission
This includes fan art using recognisable characters
Defamatory content
False statements presented as fact that could damage someone's reputation
Satire and opinion are fine; presenting lies as facts is not
Content targeting children inappropriately
Adult content presented in child-friendly formats, or content that could endanger children
4. The grey areas
Some content falls into a grey area. Here's how we think about it:
| Scenario | Likely OK | Likely not OK |
|---|---|---|
| Swearing | "Happy birthday, twat" (affectionate insult) | Aggressive, threatening language directed at groups |
| Political content | Satirising a politician's policies or actions | Calling for violence against political figures |
| Religious content | "Jesus loves you, everyone else thinks you're a knob" | Attacking religious groups or promoting hatred |
| Body humour | Jokes about bodily functions, aging, imperfections | Mocking specific individuals' bodies or disabilities |
| Sexual content | Innuendo, suggestive imagery, adult jokes | Explicit sexual acts, genitalia imagery |
| Dark humour | Jokes about death, divorce, difficult situations | Making light of specific tragedies or victims |
Our approach: When we're unsure, we ask ourselves: "Is this punching up or punching down?" Jokes that poke fun at the powerful, the pompous, or ourselves are usually fine. Jokes at the expense of vulnerable groups are not.
5. If your listing is rejected
5.1 What happens
If we reject a listing, we'll tell you:
- Which guideline(s) it breaches
- Whether you can modify and resubmit
- How to appeal if you disagree
5.2 Appeal process
If you think we got it wrong:
- Email sellersupport@rudegifts.co.uk within 14 days
- Include your listing ID and explain why you think it should be allowed
- A different team member will review your appeal
- We'll respond within 5 working days
Appeal decisions are final. We won't enter into extended debates, but we do take appeals seriously.
6. Consequences of violations
We take a proportionate approach:
| Level | Example | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Minor / First offence | Borderline content, honest mistake | Listing removed, guidance given |
| Repeated minor | Multiple borderline listings after warning | Temporary listing restriction |
| Serious | Clear hate speech, explicit content | Listing removed, formal warning, possible suspension |
| Severe / Repeated | Illegal content, continued violations | Account termination, funds withheld |
7. Intellectual property tips
IP issues are one of the most common reasons for listing removal. Here's how to stay safe:
DO:
- Create original artwork and designs
- Use your own photos or properly licensed stock
- Reference things generically ("a famous wizard" not "Harry Potter")
- Create parodies that transform the original work
DON'T:
- Use copyrighted images from Google
- Copy designs from other sellers
- Use brand logos, even humorously
- Create products with recognisable characters
- Use celebrity photos without permission
8. Questions?
Not sure if something is allowed? Ask us before listing it:
Content queries
We'd rather help you get it right the first time than reject listings later.
Rude Gifts Content Guidelines
Adherence Digital Limited trading as Rude Gifts
Version 1.0 | January 2026