Banned Words, Phrases & Uses
Category: voice Sources: Direct founder instruction (2026-08-04), Voice Guide Confidence: high Last Updated: 2026-08-04
This is the working reference for language that must not appear in Trace copy. It applies to public copy, internal wiki material, service descriptions, and delivery documentation unless a source is quoted verbatim.
| Avoid | Use instead | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Gear | Apparel | Use "motorcycle apparel", not "motorcycle gear". |
| Paperwork | Documentation | "Documentation" is the general term for Trace's work and deliverables. |
| Lab | Test house | Use the role-specific term. |
| File | Documentation | Use "documentation" for general work or deliverables, for example "we create their documentation". |
| Technical file | Technical file | Use only when explicitly referring to the formal technical record for a product. |
| Protective products | PPE products | Use "PPE products" whenever this category needs naming. |
| Em dash (—) | Full stop, comma, colon, or parentheses | Do not use em dashes in Trace copy. |
The existing prohibited claims and hype language remain in Voice Guide.