My advice? Never, ever swear in this game for any reason whatsoever. There are no shortage of players in this game who take immense glee in knowing that if they report someone for swearing - regardless of the context - then they can often lead to their target ending up with a ban. That goes both for in-game situations and on this very forum.

It's not an ideal situation, especially since context is important and one off cases should not necessarily be treated the same way as persistent cases of poor conduct...but it is what it is. I've managed to avoid getting in trouble over the years even when people have deliberately sought to rile me up and I am convinced that the key to avoiding a ban is to never use foul language or lose my temper. Remain composed and calm at all times and know when to distance yourself from a conversation/situation and you'll be able to protect your account.

It's easier said than done, I know, but if it makes you feel better think of the fact that emergency workers are trained to not rise to bait in dangerous situations in order to protect themselves and others around them. It's simply the online equivalent of that!