This paper discusses the assumption that forbidden language and its associated taboos are dissolved when it comes to the digital environment of chats. The discussion is based on the sociolinguistic perspective of Dino Preti (1983; 1992; 2000; 2001), and on the enunciative perspective of Benveniste ([1974] 1989). These perspectives were chosen since they help in the analysis of extracts of interaction via chat, taking into consideration words associated with slang, obscenity, blasphemy, swearing and rudeness, used both in the chatters' nicknames and in their conversations. The data analysis indicates that the non-identification of participants through the use of their nicknames is one of the most productive elements to the "free" use of marginal language, which is not only restricted to the limits of verbal language, but also to other semioses employed by the users.
Interaction; internet; chat; linguistic taboo
