The law would be based on an existing scheme in the Russian region of Belgorod where police hand out on-the-spot fines for anyone overheard using foul language in public.  The fines there range from 500 roubles (£10) to 1,500 roubles (£30). The heaviest fines go to people heard cursing in front of children.

Mikhail Nikolayev, deputy chairman of Russia's upper house of parliament, or Federation Council, is pushing the improbable scheme.  "Swearing should cease to be part of our everyday life," he says, adding that the scheme in Belgorod, started in 2005, has produced encouraging results.

A clutch of fellow senators is supporting Mr Nikolayev's plan.  The move comes as the Kremlin seeks to tackle rampant alcoholism, a culture of heavy smoking, and a steady stream of hardcore violence and erotica on TV and in adverts.

The assault on swearing appears to have been motivated in part by a series of foul-mouthed tirades against Vladimir Putin, the prime minister, and President Dmitry Medvedev on a popular blog run by a famous designer.  A number of pro-Kremlin politicians have tried to get the designer prosecuted but without success. He has merely told them - in the strongest possible terms - to leave him alone.

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