interesting discussion came up today on the discussion boards about whether the word "kaffir", clued as [Type of lime] or some such is suitable for publication in a mainstream crossword. the guy asking the question had only heard the word in that context, though as some (many?) of you may be aware, it's a pretty nasty racial slur in africa. from the link:

The original meaning of the word is 'heathen', 'unbeliever' or 'infidel', from the Arabic 'kafir' and is still being used with this meaning by Muslims. The Arabic term Kafir (arab كافر) is, however, also applied to simply anyone who is not a Muslim. Portuguese explorers used the term generally to describe tribes they encountered in southern Africa, probably having misunderstood its etymology from Muslim traders along the coast. European colonists subsequently continued its use. Although it was in wide use between the 16th and 19th centuries, and not generally seen as an offensive term, as racial tensions increased in 20th century South Africa and the surrounding countries, it became a term of abuse.

well yes, came one reply, but it is a bona fide word when clued as the fruit, and if we disqualify it on the basis of its racist meaning, what happens to charlie, or slope, or oreo? doesn't the substance of the clue matter, or are some words with more than one meaning/usage just off the table entirely because one of their definitions is unacceptable? and what about the context in which the puzzle is being solved*? if we were sure that no one who may take offense would ever see it, would that make it ok?

interestingly, the community didn't reach a consensus, although the original asker ended up deciding it was safer to rework the section. was kind of an interesting point of contention though. thought i'd share.

* incid., email me to tell me if you were aware that the word is a slur; full disclosure: i only ever knew it as a lime.