The paper is devoted to understanding of the taboo phenomenon in language as a component of invective vocabulary on the example of Arabic, English and Russian languages, and also to study of the borders of this phenomenon and methods of its determination. In his study of conceptual features of forbidden words the author of the article refers to the works of K. Allen and K. Burridge, as well as M. Ljung. In addition to the theoretical works of linguists, the author analyzes the existing practice of implementing linguistic prohibitions in Russian, English, which affects such areas as legislation and media. Especially valuable material that was analyzed, was studies of English-speaking media regulators and major broadcasting companies. ...