user2604: I've flagged a few posts in my time here as "offensive". When comments are flagged, the option is "rude or offensive", which is relatively straightforward. But some of the answers/questions I've flagged as offensive are often what I would consider extremely rude (and generally not an answer, in the case of answers) than necessarily offensive. (I realise that this is probably idiosyncratic, to an extent.)
Thus - is flagging extremely rude, off-topic posts as offensive appropriate (particularly when such posts aren't comments, where "rude" doesn't seem to be stated in the reasons for flagging)?

user27: Offensive flags have a very specific and narrow meaning

it is offensive, abusive, or hate speech This question contains
content that a reasonable person would deem inappropriate for
  respectful discourse.

Abusive flags, like spam flags are red flags. When you a post gains 6 of them, it is deleted, the author is penalized with -100 reputation, and its content feeds into the various anti-spam mechanisms.
Do not abuse the abusive flags (oh the irony!). When in doubt, make a custom flag.
Abusive flags should be kept for active swearing, racism, harassment, and otherwise harmful or hateful. Specifically, posts that target another user, rather than address a specific issue or question are usually abusive.
Flag constructively! -100 penalty hurts!

Note that the original answer, before it was edited, deserved the offensive flags.

2604: <p>I've flagged a few posts in my time here as "offensive". When comments are flagged, the option is "rude or offensive", which is relatively straightforward. But some of the answers/questions I've flagged as offensive are often what I would consider extremely rude (and generally not an answer, in the case of answers) than necessarily offensive. (I realise that this is probably idiosyncratic, to an extent.)</p>

<p>Thus - is flagging extremely rude, off-topic posts as offensive appropriate (particularly when such posts aren't comments, where "rude" doesn't seem to be stated in the reasons for flagging)?</p>
 27: <p>Offensive flags have a very specific and narrow meaning</p>

<blockquote>
  <h1>it is offensive, abusive, or hate speech This question contains</h1>
  
  <p>content that a reasonable person would deem inappropriate for
  respectful discourse.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Abusive flags, like spam flags are red flags. When you a post gains 6 of them, it is deleted, the author is penalized with -100 reputation, and its content feeds into the various anti-spam mechanisms.</p>

<p>Do not abuse the abusive flags (oh the irony!). When in doubt, make a custom flag.</p>

<p>Abusive flags should be kept for active swearing, racism, harassment, and otherwise harmful or hateful. Specifically, posts that target another user, rather than address a specific issue or question are usually abusive.</p>

<p>Flag constructively! -100 penalty hurts!</p>

<hr>

<p>Note that the <em>original</em> answer, before it was edited, deserved the offensive flags.</p>
