Is the B-word offensive?

So we've learned that "b a s t a r d" is a banned word on the forum. Since I am one of this ilk (I was adopted) and I don't find it offensive, I thought it would be interesting to find out how the rest of you felt.

Okay, what's it going to be?

P.S. Since the bad-word feature has been turned off, I've decided to close this topic. Mike.