VibeSpec Score 5: Toxic or Prohibited Language
A score of 5 means the requirement contains words or phrases that are outright banned or clearly offensive. These can violate company policy or legal guidelines and make the document unfit for professional use.
Example requirements
- “Users who act like idiots will be denied access.”
- Developer interpretation: A casual insult that might be seen as harmless slang.
- Compliance interpretation: Clearly offensive wording that breaches conduct rules.
- Fix: “Users who violate the code of conduct will be denied access.”
- “The system must nuke any user who misbehaves.”
- Developer interpretation: Hyperbole meaning to disable an account quickly.
- Compliance interpretation: Violent language that suggests harmful actions.
- Fix: “The system must immediately deactivate accounts that violate policy.”
- “This feature won’t support incompetent staff.”
- Developer interpretation: Implies the tool is for experts only.
- Compliance interpretation: Degrades staff and could be considered harassment.
- Fix: “This feature requires trained staff to operate effectively.”
How VibeSpec detects and explains
VibeSpec maintains a curated list of toxic and prohibited terms. When it detects these in a requirement, it highlights the problematic wording and explains why it should be removed. The tool also links to the relevant policy so writers can quickly understand the issue.
Why interpretations differ
One developer might view the blunt language as harmless venting or a quick way to express strict rules. A compliance officer, however, would see it as insulting and legally risky. VibeSpec surfaces these conflicting viewpoints to encourage more professional phrasing.
