A discussion about the b-word

[cinnabonbon]

Because after the clusterfuck that happened in GD, I think I need some help here. I think we all agree that it's a slur that is harmful. My predicament lies in the explanations I have to give to people. How do you refer to the slurs in question without asterisking them out? (Like this: b*tch) Is there a way that is more acceptable? I admit that it surprised me just a little, because the places I frequent simply asterix it out if they need to use it, and they consider that an acceptable compromise (although you're supposed to use it as little as possible, obviously.)

But is there a better way to refer to it? Do we just call it the b-word?