Xfce Forum

Blacklight

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Registered: 2026-08-14

Posts: 40

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On Violent Language In Software (XFCE)

I wanted to tell you guys my opinion about something that may seem esoteric or new to you

Language matters, and for users of a system composed of computer software, 'programming,' we should all be aware of how significant 'language' can be.

I think certain language in Xfce is actually inherently violent, specifically the "screen shooter" app.

-> Xfce4-screenshooter <-

https://docs.xfce.org/apps/screenshooter/start

I want to be clear, that to me it is highly offensive, and careless.

It's not dissimilar to other language in computing that may be seen as inherently violent, and disconcerting, like 'master' 'slave' language

For me, after I recognized this relationship, I can't help but find it agitating

I also noticed, there are other terms in computing that are inherently violent, like "troubleshooting"

So now I've actually started to find different ways to say these words, without implying violent ideas simultaneously.

We can say, "problem solving" "trial and error" or really anything, if we give consideration to our words, how they are meaningful, and what we are trying to communicate with others.

You also have the issue, of translating these conventions into other languages, and I would imagine, it's not a 'good' translation, you would be proud of, if you understood it in depth.

I will add, that there is clearly a culture in computing, that is overtly socially abusive, and inclined towards this kind of blunt, careless, thinking and language.

- edit -

here's some examples for reference from: https://docs.xfce.org/apps/start

The Xfce4-screenshooter is an application that can be used to take snapshots of your desktop screen.

https://docs.xfce.org/apps/screenshooter/start

Screenshot application (xfce4-screenshooter) – Take screenshots of your Xfce desktop

https://docs.xfce.org/apps/start

Xfce Terminal is a lightweight and easy to use terminal emulator

https://docs.xfce.org/apps/xfce4-terminal/start

Mousepad aims to be an easy-to-use and fast editor.

https://docs.xfce.org/apps/mousepad/start

Xfce Screensaver is a screen saver and locker that aims to have simple, sane, secure defaults and be well integrated with the desktop.

https://docs.xfce.org/apps/screensaver/start

The Ristretto Image Viewer is an application that can be used to view, and scroll through images.

https://docs.xfce.org/apps/ristretto/start

xfce4-dict allows you to search different kinds of dictionary services for words or phrases and shows you the result.

https://docs.xfce.org/apps/xfce4-dict/start

Last edited by Blacklight (2026-08-23 16:12:44)