diff --git a/Cargo.lock b/Cargo.lock
index 19a6c680cb..c299355146 100644
--- a/Cargo.lock
+++ b/Cargo.lock
@@ -2570,6 +2570,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "lemmy_db_views",
  "lemmy_utils",
  "pretty_assertions",
+ "regex",
  "serial_test",
  "sitemap-rs",
  "tokio",
diff --git a/crates/api/Cargo.toml b/crates/api/Cargo.toml
index 281f8a09fe..7d954d9687 100644
--- a/crates/api/Cargo.toml
+++ b/crates/api/Cargo.toml
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ anyhow = { workspace = true }
 tracing = { workspace = true }
 chrono = { workspace = true }
 url = { workspace = true }
+regex = { workspace = true }
 hound = "3.5.1"
 sitemap-rs = "0.2.2"
 totp-rs = { version = "5.6.0", features = ["gen_secret", "otpauth"] }
diff --git a/crates/api/src/lib.rs b/crates/api/src/lib.rs
index 71fcac0e3f..fe0c91abd6 100644
--- a/crates/api/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/api/src/lib.rs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
   community::BanFromCommunity,
   context::LemmyContext,
   send_activity::{ActivityChannel, SendActivityData},
-  utils::{check_expire_time, local_site_to_slur_regex},
+  utils::check_expire_time,
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   source::{
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@ use lemmy_db_schema::{
       CommunityPersonBan,
       CommunityPersonBanForm,
     },
-    local_site::LocalSite,
     mod_log::moderator::{ModBanFromCommunity, ModBanFromCommunityForm},
     person::Person,
   },
@@ -26,6 +25,7 @@ use lemmy_utils::{
   error::{LemmyErrorExt, LemmyErrorType, LemmyResult},
   utils::slurs::check_slurs,
 };
+use regex::Regex;
 use std::io::Cursor;
 use totp_rs::{Secret, TOTP};
 
@@ -79,9 +79,7 @@ pub(crate) fn captcha_as_wav_base64(captcha: &Captcha) -> LemmyResult<String> {
 }
 
 /// Check size of report
-pub(crate) fn check_report_reason(reason: &str, local_site: &LocalSite) -> LemmyResult<()> {
-  let slur_regex = &local_site_to_slur_regex(local_site);
-
+pub(crate) fn check_report_reason(reason: &str, slur_regex: &Regex) -> LemmyResult<()> {
   check_slurs(reason, slur_regex)?;
   if reason.is_empty() {
     Err(LemmyErrorType::ReportReasonRequired)?
diff --git a/crates/api/src/local_user/save_settings.rs b/crates/api/src/local_user/save_settings.rs
index 289012c251..33fd011add 100644
--- a/crates/api/src/local_user/save_settings.rs
+++ b/crates/api/src/local_user/save_settings.rs
@@ -3,12 +3,7 @@ use actix_web::web::Json;
 use lemmy_api_common::{
   context::LemmyContext,
   person::SaveUserSettings,
-  utils::{
-    get_url_blocklist,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
-    process_markdown_opt,
-    send_verification_email,
-  },
+  utils::{get_url_blocklist, process_markdown_opt, send_verification_email, slur_regex},
   SuccessResponse,
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
@@ -35,7 +30,7 @@ pub async fn save_user_settings(
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<SuccessResponse>> {
   let site_view = SiteView::read_local(&mut context.pool()).await?;
 
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&site_view.local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   let bio = diesel_string_update(
     process_markdown_opt(&data.bio, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, &context)
diff --git a/crates/api/src/reports/comment_report/create.rs b/crates/api/src/reports/comment_report/create.rs
index 2449679d6e..6187aac30f 100644
--- a/crates/api/src/reports/comment_report/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api/src/reports/comment_report/create.rs
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
     check_comment_deleted_or_removed,
     check_community_user_action,
     send_new_report_email_to_admins,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
@@ -27,10 +28,9 @@ pub async fn create_comment_report(
   context: Data<LemmyContext>,
   local_user_view: LocalUserView,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<CommentReportResponse>> {
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
   let reason = data.reason.trim().to_string();
-  check_report_reason(&reason, &local_site)?;
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
+  check_report_reason(&reason, &slur_regex)?;
 
   let person_id = local_user_view.person.id;
   let comment_id = data.comment_id;
@@ -67,6 +67,7 @@ pub async fn create_comment_report(
     CommentReportView::read(&mut context.pool(), report.id, person_id).await?;
 
   // Email the admins
+  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
   if local_site.reports_email_admins {
     send_new_report_email_to_admins(
       &comment_report_view.creator.name,
diff --git a/crates/api/src/reports/post_report/create.rs b/crates/api/src/reports/post_report/create.rs
index ef4a909150..cf5c479a2a 100644
--- a/crates/api/src/reports/post_report/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api/src/reports/post_report/create.rs
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
     check_community_user_action,
     check_post_deleted_or_removed,
     send_new_report_email_to_admins,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
@@ -27,10 +28,9 @@ pub async fn create_post_report(
   context: Data<LemmyContext>,
   local_user_view: LocalUserView,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<PostReportResponse>> {
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
   let reason = data.reason.trim().to_string();
-  check_report_reason(&reason, &local_site)?;
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
+  check_report_reason(&reason, &slur_regex)?;
 
   let person_id = local_user_view.person.id;
   let post_id = data.post_id;
@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ pub async fn create_post_report(
   let post_report_view = PostReportView::read(&mut context.pool(), report.id, person_id).await?;
 
   // Email the admins
+  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
   if local_site.reports_email_admins {
     send_new_report_email_to_admins(
       &post_report_view.creator.name,
diff --git a/crates/api/src/reports/private_message_report/create.rs b/crates/api/src/reports/private_message_report/create.rs
index 3b13ffe717..91295e821f 100644
--- a/crates/api/src/reports/private_message_report/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api/src/reports/private_message_report/create.rs
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ use actix_web::web::{Data, Json};
 use lemmy_api_common::{
   context::LemmyContext,
   reports::private_message::{CreatePrivateMessageReport, PrivateMessageReportResponse},
-  utils::send_new_report_email_to_admins,
+  utils::{send_new_report_email_to_admins, slur_regex},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   source::{
@@ -21,10 +21,9 @@ pub async fn create_pm_report(
   context: Data<LemmyContext>,
   local_user_view: LocalUserView,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<PrivateMessageReportResponse>> {
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
   let reason = data.reason.trim().to_string();
-  check_report_reason(&reason, &local_site)?;
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
+  check_report_reason(&reason, &slur_regex)?;
 
   let person_id = local_user_view.person.id;
   let private_message_id = data.private_message_id;
@@ -50,6 +49,7 @@ pub async fn create_pm_report(
     PrivateMessageReportView::read(&mut context.pool(), report.id).await?;
 
   // Email the admins
+  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
   if local_site.reports_email_admins {
     send_new_report_email_to_admins(
       &private_message_report_view.creator.name,
diff --git a/crates/api_common/src/utils.rs b/crates/api_common/src/utils.rs
index a7fd73f110..3a7c1ac1f1 100644
--- a/crates/api_common/src/utils.rs
+++ b/crates/api_common/src/utils.rs
@@ -71,8 +71,8 @@ use lemmy_utils::{
   spawn_try_task,
   utils::{
     markdown::{image_links::markdown_rewrite_image_links, markdown_check_for_blocked_urls},
-    slurs::{build_slur_regex, remove_slurs},
-    validation::clean_urls_in_text,
+    slurs::remove_slurs,
+    validation::{build_and_check_regex, clean_urls_in_text},
   },
   CacheLock,
   CACHE_DURATION_FEDERATION,
@@ -540,15 +540,22 @@ pub fn local_site_rate_limit_to_rate_limit_config(
   })
 }
 
-pub fn local_site_to_slur_regex(local_site: &LocalSite) -> Option<LemmyResult<Regex>> {
-  build_slur_regex(local_site.slur_filter_regex.as_deref())
-}
-
-pub fn local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(local_site: &Option<LocalSite>) -> Option<LemmyResult<Regex>> {
-  local_site
-    .as_ref()
-    .map(local_site_to_slur_regex)
-    .unwrap_or(None)
+pub async fn slur_regex(context: &LemmyContext) -> LemmyResult<Regex> {
+  static CACHE: CacheLock<Regex> = LazyLock::new(|| {
+    Cache::builder()
+      .max_capacity(1)
+      .time_to_live(CACHE_DURATION_FEDERATION)
+      .build()
+  });
+  Ok(
+    CACHE
+      .try_get_with((), async {
+        let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await.ok();
+        build_and_check_regex(local_site.and_then(|s| s.slur_filter_regex).as_deref())
+      })
+      .await
+      .map_err(|e| anyhow::anyhow!("Failed to construct regex: {e}"))?,
+  )
 }
 
 pub async fn get_url_blocklist(context: &LemmyContext) -> LemmyResult<RegexSet> {
@@ -1037,7 +1044,7 @@ pub fn check_conflicting_like_filters(
 
 pub async fn process_markdown(
   text: &str,
-  slur_regex: &Option<LemmyResult<Regex>>,
+  slur_regex: &Regex,
   url_blocklist: &RegexSet,
   context: &LemmyContext,
 ) -> LemmyResult<String> {
@@ -1069,7 +1076,7 @@ pub async fn process_markdown(
 
 pub async fn process_markdown_opt(
   text: &Option<String>,
-  slur_regex: &Option<LemmyResult<Regex>>,
+  slur_regex: &Regex,
   url_blocklist: &RegexSet,
   context: &LemmyContext,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Option<String>> {
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/comment/create.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/comment/create.rs
index a9ddda3b1d..c5a8f8f2d9 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/comment/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/comment/create.rs
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
     check_post_deleted_or_removed,
     get_url_blocklist,
     is_mod_or_admin,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
     process_markdown,
+    slur_regex,
     update_read_comments,
   },
 };
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@ use lemmy_db_schema::{
   source::{
     comment::{Comment, CommentInsertForm, CommentLike, CommentLikeForm},
     comment_reply::{CommentReply, CommentReplyUpdateForm},
-    local_site::LocalSite,
     person_comment_mention::{PersonCommentMention, PersonCommentMentionUpdateForm},
   },
   traits::{Crud, Likeable},
@@ -38,9 +37,7 @@ pub async fn create_comment(
   context: Data<LemmyContext>,
   local_user_view: LocalUserView,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<CommentResponse>> {
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   let content = process_markdown(&data.content, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, &context).await?;
   is_valid_body_field(&content, false)?;
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/comment/update.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/comment/update.rs
index 8744ff4d14..1ed588c817 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/comment/update.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/comment/update.rs
@@ -6,20 +6,12 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
   comment::{CommentResponse, EditComment},
   context::LemmyContext,
   send_activity::{ActivityChannel, SendActivityData},
-  utils::{
-    check_community_user_action,
-    get_url_blocklist,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
-    process_markdown_opt,
-  },
+  utils::{check_community_user_action, get_url_blocklist, process_markdown_opt, slur_regex},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   impls::actor_language::validate_post_language,
   newtypes::PostOrCommentId,
-  source::{
-    comment::{Comment, CommentUpdateForm},
-    local_site::LocalSite,
-  },
+  source::comment::{Comment, CommentUpdateForm},
   traits::Crud,
 };
 use lemmy_db_views::structs::{CommentView, LocalUserView};
@@ -33,8 +25,6 @@ pub async fn update_comment(
   context: Data<LemmyContext>,
   local_user_view: LocalUserView,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<CommentResponse>> {
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
   let comment_id = data.comment_id;
   let orig_comment = CommentView::read(
     &mut context.pool(),
@@ -63,7 +53,7 @@ pub async fn update_comment(
   )
   .await?;
 
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   let content = process_markdown_opt(&data.content, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, &context).await?;
   if let Some(content) = &content {
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/community/create.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/community/create.rs
index b28a180178..de218fe2d6 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/community/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/community/create.rs
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
     generate_inbox_url,
     get_url_blocklist,
     is_admin,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
     process_markdown_opt,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ pub async fn create_community(
     Err(LemmyErrorType::OnlyAdminsCanCreateCommunities)?
   }
 
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   check_slurs(&data.name, &slur_regex)?;
   check_slurs(&data.title, &slur_regex)?;
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/community/update.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/community/update.rs
index 202d87f0f4..eded217dd1 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/community/update.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/community/update.rs
@@ -7,18 +7,12 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
   community::{CommunityResponse, EditCommunity},
   context::LemmyContext,
   send_activity::{ActivityChannel, SendActivityData},
-  utils::{
-    check_community_mod_action,
-    get_url_blocklist,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
-    process_markdown_opt,
-  },
+  utils::{check_community_mod_action, get_url_blocklist, process_markdown_opt, slur_regex},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   source::{
     actor_language::{CommunityLanguage, SiteLanguage},
     community::{Community, CommunityUpdateForm},
-    local_site::LocalSite,
   },
   traits::Crud,
   utils::diesel_string_update,
@@ -34,9 +28,7 @@ pub async fn update_community(
   context: Data<LemmyContext>,
   local_user_view: LocalUserView,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<CommunityResponse>> {
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   check_slurs_opt(&data.title, &slur_regex)?;
 
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/post/create.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/post/create.rs
index 60aa74a1ec..a2d90b1459 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/post/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/post/create.rs
@@ -11,9 +11,9 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
     check_community_user_action,
     get_url_blocklist,
     honeypot_check,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
     process_markdown_opt,
     send_webmention,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@ use lemmy_db_schema::{
   newtypes::PostOrCommentId,
   source::{
     community::Community,
-    local_site::LocalSite,
     post::{Post, PostInsertForm, PostLike, PostLikeForm, PostRead, PostReadForm},
   },
   traits::{Crud, Likeable},
@@ -48,11 +47,9 @@ pub async fn create_post(
   context: Data<LemmyContext>,
   local_user_view: LocalUserView,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<PostResponse>> {
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
   honeypot_check(&data.honeypot)?;
 
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   check_slurs(&data.name, &slur_regex)?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
 
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/post/update.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/post/update.rs
index 8caaebfb69..da1c17b133 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/post/update.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/post/update.rs
@@ -11,9 +11,9 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
   utils::{
     check_community_user_action,
     get_url_blocklist,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
     process_markdown_opt,
     send_webmention,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@ use lemmy_db_schema::{
   newtypes::PostOrCommentId,
   source::{
     community::Community,
-    local_site::LocalSite,
     post::{Post, PostUpdateForm},
   },
   traits::Crud,
@@ -49,15 +48,13 @@ pub async fn update_post(
   context: Data<LemmyContext>,
   local_user_view: LocalUserView,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<PostResponse>> {
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
   let url = diesel_url_update(data.url.as_deref())?;
 
   let custom_thumbnail = diesel_url_update(data.custom_thumbnail.as_deref())?;
 
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
 
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
 
   let body = diesel_string_update(
     process_markdown_opt(&data.body, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, &context)
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/private_message/create.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/private_message/create.rs
index ff89e52339..b8f50d49f8 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/private_message/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/private_message/create.rs
@@ -7,14 +7,13 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
   utils::{
     check_private_messages_enabled,
     get_url_blocklist,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
     process_markdown,
     send_email_to_user,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   source::{
-    local_site::LocalSite,
     person_block::PersonBlock,
     private_message::{PrivateMessage, PrivateMessageInsertForm},
   },
@@ -31,9 +30,7 @@ pub async fn create_private_message(
   context: Data<LemmyContext>,
   local_user_view: LocalUserView,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<PrivateMessageResponse>> {
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   let content = process_markdown(&data.content, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, &context).await?;
   is_valid_body_field(&content, false)?;
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/private_message/update.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/private_message/update.rs
index fc88875a7f..a9ea70b228 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/private_message/update.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/private_message/update.rs
@@ -5,13 +5,10 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
   context::LemmyContext,
   private_message::{EditPrivateMessage, PrivateMessageResponse},
   send_activity::{ActivityChannel, SendActivityData},
-  utils::{get_url_blocklist, local_site_to_slur_regex, process_markdown},
+  utils::{get_url_blocklist, process_markdown, slur_regex},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
-  source::{
-    local_site::LocalSite,
-    private_message::{PrivateMessage, PrivateMessageUpdateForm},
-  },
+  source::private_message::{PrivateMessage, PrivateMessageUpdateForm},
   traits::Crud,
 };
 use lemmy_db_views::structs::{LocalUserView, PrivateMessageView};
@@ -25,8 +22,6 @@ pub async fn update_private_message(
   context: Data<LemmyContext>,
   local_user_view: LocalUserView,
 ) -> LemmyResult<Json<PrivateMessageResponse>> {
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
   // Checking permissions
   let private_message_id = data.private_message_id;
   let orig_private_message = PrivateMessage::read(&mut context.pool(), private_message_id).await?;
@@ -35,7 +30,7 @@ pub async fn update_private_message(
   }
 
   // Doing the update
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   let content = process_markdown(&data.content, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, &context).await?;
   is_valid_body_field(&content, false)?;
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/site/create.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/site/create.rs
index dd1bfe7e01..1b2ff37b02 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/site/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/site/create.rs
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
     get_url_blocklist,
     is_admin,
     local_site_rate_limit_to_rate_limit_config,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
     process_markdown_opt,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ pub async fn create_site(
   let inbox_url = Some(generate_inbox_url()?);
   let keypair = generate_actor_keypair()?;
 
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   let sidebar = process_markdown_opt(&data.sidebar, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, &context).await?;
 
@@ -149,11 +149,11 @@ fn validate_create_payload(local_site: &LocalSite, create_site: &CreateSite) ->
   // Check that the slur regex compiles, and returns the regex if valid...
   // Prioritize using new slur regex from the request; if not provided, use the existing regex.
   let slur_regex = build_and_check_regex(
-    &create_site
+    create_site
       .slur_filter_regex
       .as_deref()
       .or(local_site.slur_filter_regex.as_deref()),
-  );
+  )?;
 
   site_name_length_check(&create_site.name)?;
   check_slurs(&create_site.name, &slur_regex)?;
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/site/update.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/site/update.rs
index 737d24b669..a0374baeb7 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/site/update.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/site/update.rs
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
     get_url_blocklist,
     is_admin,
     local_site_rate_limit_to_rate_limit_config,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
     process_markdown_opt,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ pub async fn update_site(
     SiteLanguage::update(&mut context.pool(), discussion_languages.clone(), &site).await?;
   }
 
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   let sidebar = diesel_string_update(
     process_markdown_opt(&data.sidebar, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, &context)
@@ -192,11 +192,11 @@ fn validate_update_payload(local_site: &LocalSite, edit_site: &EditSite) -> Lemm
   // Check that the slur regex compiles, and return the regex if valid...
   // Prioritize using new slur regex from the request; if not provided, use the existing regex.
   let slur_regex = build_and_check_regex(
-    &edit_site
+    edit_site
       .slur_filter_regex
       .as_deref()
       .or(local_site.slur_filter_regex.as_deref()),
-  );
+  )?;
 
   if let Some(name) = &edit_site.name {
     // The name doesn't need to be updated, but if provided it cannot be blanked out...
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/tagline/create.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/tagline/create.rs
index 0871111c76..52313bb70d 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/tagline/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/tagline/create.rs
@@ -3,13 +3,10 @@ use actix_web::web::Json;
 use lemmy_api_common::{
   context::LemmyContext,
   tagline::{CreateTagline, TaglineResponse},
-  utils::{get_url_blocklist, is_admin, local_site_to_slur_regex, process_markdown},
+  utils::{get_url_blocklist, is_admin, process_markdown, slur_regex},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
-  source::{
-    local_site::LocalSite,
-    tagline::{Tagline, TaglineInsertForm},
-  },
+  source::tagline::{Tagline, TaglineInsertForm},
   traits::Crud,
 };
 use lemmy_db_views::structs::LocalUserView;
@@ -23,9 +20,7 @@ pub async fn create_tagline(
   // Make sure user is an admin
   is_admin(&local_user_view)?;
 
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   let content = process_markdown(&data.content, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, &context).await?;
 
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/tagline/update.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/tagline/update.rs
index 5538b2da20..6a5c7cb993 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/tagline/update.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/tagline/update.rs
@@ -4,13 +4,10 @@ use chrono::Utc;
 use lemmy_api_common::{
   context::LemmyContext,
   tagline::{TaglineResponse, UpdateTagline},
-  utils::{get_url_blocklist, is_admin, local_site_to_slur_regex, process_markdown},
+  utils::{get_url_blocklist, is_admin, process_markdown, slur_regex},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
-  source::{
-    local_site::LocalSite,
-    tagline::{Tagline, TaglineUpdateForm},
-  },
+  source::tagline::{Tagline, TaglineUpdateForm},
   traits::Crud,
 };
 use lemmy_db_views::structs::LocalUserView;
@@ -24,9 +21,7 @@ pub async fn update_tagline(
   // Make sure user is an admin
   is_admin(&local_user_view)?;
 
-  let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(&context).await?;
   let content = process_markdown(&data.content, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, &context).await?;
 
diff --git a/crates/api_crud/src/user/create.rs b/crates/api_crud/src/user/create.rs
index 0182b9b1fe..6dfbd28a34 100644
--- a/crates/api_crud/src/user/create.rs
+++ b/crates/api_crud/src/user/create.rs
@@ -11,10 +11,10 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
     check_user_valid,
     generate_inbox_url,
     honeypot_check,
-    local_site_to_slur_regex,
     password_length_check,
     send_new_applicant_email_to_admins,
     send_verification_email_if_required,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ pub async fn register(
     .await?;
   }
 
-  let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+  let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
   check_slurs(&data.username, &slur_regex)?;
   check_slurs_opt(&data.answer, &slur_regex)?;
 
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@ pub async fn authenticate_with_oauth(
         .as_ref()
         .ok_or(LemmyErrorType::RegistrationUsernameRequired)?;
 
-      let slur_regex = local_site_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+      let slur_regex = slur_regex(&context).await?;
       check_slurs(username, &slur_regex)?;
       check_slurs_opt(&data.answer, &slur_regex)?;
 
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/objects/comment.rs b/crates/apub/src/objects/comment.rs
index fb13d377fe..609350fa54 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/objects/comment.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/objects/comment.rs
@@ -22,13 +22,12 @@ use activitypub_federation::{
 use chrono::{DateTime, Utc};
 use lemmy_api_common::{
   context::LemmyContext,
-  utils::{get_url_blocklist, is_mod_or_admin, local_site_opt_to_slur_regex, process_markdown},
+  utils::{get_url_blocklist, is_mod_or_admin, process_markdown, slur_regex},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   source::{
     comment::{Comment, CommentInsertForm, CommentUpdateForm},
     community::Community,
-    local_site::LocalSite,
     person::Person,
     post::Post,
   },
@@ -175,11 +174,10 @@ impl Object for ApubComment {
 
     let content = read_from_string_or_source(&note.content, &note.media_type, &note.source);
 
-    let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await.ok();
-    let slur_regex = &local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+    let slur_regex = slur_regex(context).await?;
     let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(context).await?;
     let content = append_attachments_to_comment(content, &note.attachment, context).await?;
-    let content = process_markdown(&content, slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
+    let content = process_markdown(&content, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
     let content = markdown_rewrite_remote_links(content, context).await;
     let language_id = Some(
       LanguageTag::to_language_id_single(note.language.unwrap_or_default(), &mut context.pool())
@@ -226,7 +224,7 @@ pub(crate) mod tests {
   };
   use assert_json_diff::assert_json_include;
   use html2md::parse_html;
-  use lemmy_db_schema::source::site::Site;
+  use lemmy_db_schema::source::{local_site::LocalSite, site::Site};
   use pretty_assertions::assert_eq;
   use serial_test::serial;
 
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/objects/community.rs b/crates/apub/src/objects/community.rs
index c9564d593f..a1e239ab64 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/objects/community.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/objects/community.rs
@@ -22,9 +22,9 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
     generate_moderators_url,
     generate_outbox_url,
     get_url_blocklist,
-    local_site_opt_to_slur_regex,
     process_markdown_opt,
     proxy_image_link_opt_apub,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
@@ -33,7 +33,6 @@ use lemmy_db_schema::{
     activity::ActorType,
     actor_language::CommunityLanguage,
     community::{Community, CommunityInsertForm, CommunityUpdateForm},
-    local_site::LocalSite,
   },
   traits::{ApubActor, Crud},
   CommunityVisibility,
@@ -137,11 +136,10 @@ impl Object for ApubCommunity {
   async fn from_json(group: Group, context: &Data<Self::DataType>) -> LemmyResult<ApubCommunity> {
     let instance_id = fetch_instance_actor_for_object(&group.id, context).await?;
 
-    let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await.ok();
-    let slur_regex = &local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+    let slur_regex = slur_regex(context).await?;
     let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(context).await?;
     let sidebar = read_from_string_or_source_opt(&group.content, &None, &group.source);
-    let sidebar = process_markdown_opt(&sidebar, slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
+    let sidebar = process_markdown_opt(&sidebar, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
     let sidebar = markdown_rewrite_remote_links_opt(sidebar, context).await;
     let icon = proxy_image_link_opt_apub(group.icon.map(|i| i.url), context).await?;
     let banner = proxy_image_link_opt_apub(group.image.map(|i| i.url), context).await?;
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/objects/instance.rs b/crates/apub/src/objects/instance.rs
index 160ba1a9ab..9a773a9b5a 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/objects/instance.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/objects/instance.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ use crate::{
   activities::GetActorType,
   check_apub_id_valid_with_strictness,
   fetcher::markdown_links::markdown_rewrite_remote_links_opt,
-  local_site_data_cached,
   objects::read_from_string_or_source_opt,
   protocol::{
     objects::{instance::Instance, LanguageTag},
@@ -23,12 +22,7 @@ use activitypub_federation::{
 use chrono::{DateTime, Utc};
 use lemmy_api_common::{
   context::LemmyContext,
-  utils::{
-    get_url_blocklist,
-    local_site_opt_to_slur_regex,
-    process_markdown_opt,
-    proxy_image_link_opt_apub,
-  },
+  utils::{get_url_blocklist, process_markdown_opt, proxy_image_link_opt_apub, slur_regex},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   newtypes::InstanceId,
@@ -37,7 +31,6 @@ use lemmy_db_schema::{
     activity::ActorType,
     actor_language::SiteLanguage,
     instance::Instance as DbInstance,
-    local_site::LocalSite,
     site::{Site, SiteInsertForm},
   },
   traits::Crud,
@@ -127,8 +120,7 @@ impl Object for ApubSite {
     verify_domains_match(expected_domain, apub.id.inner())?;
     verify_is_remote_object(&apub.id, data)?;
 
-    let local_site_data = local_site_data_cached(&mut data.pool()).await?;
-    let slur_regex = &local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(&local_site_data.local_site);
+    let slur_regex = &slur_regex(data).await?;
     check_slurs(&apub.name, slur_regex)?;
     check_slurs_opt(&apub.summary, slur_regex)?;
 
@@ -143,11 +135,10 @@ impl Object for ApubSite {
       .ok_or(FederationError::UrlWithoutDomain)?;
     let instance = DbInstance::read_or_create(&mut context.pool(), domain.to_string()).await?;
 
-    let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await.ok();
-    let slur_regex = &local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+    let slur_regex = slur_regex(context).await?;
     let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(context).await?;
     let sidebar = read_from_string_or_source_opt(&apub.content, &None, &apub.source);
-    let sidebar = process_markdown_opt(&sidebar, slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
+    let sidebar = process_markdown_opt(&sidebar, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
     let sidebar = markdown_rewrite_remote_links_opt(sidebar, context).await;
     let icon = proxy_image_link_opt_apub(apub.icon.map(|i| i.url), context).await?;
     let banner = proxy_image_link_opt_apub(apub.image.map(|i| i.url), context).await?;
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/objects/person.rs b/crates/apub/src/objects/person.rs
index 294ced4a23..6ca9d6f6f3 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/objects/person.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/objects/person.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ use crate::{
   activities::GetActorType,
   check_apub_id_valid_with_strictness,
   fetcher::markdown_links::markdown_rewrite_remote_links_opt,
-  local_site_data_cached,
   objects::{instance::fetch_instance_actor_for_object, read_from_string_or_source_opt},
   protocol::{
     objects::person::{Person, UserTypes},
@@ -21,16 +20,15 @@ use lemmy_api_common::{
   utils::{
     generate_outbox_url,
     get_url_blocklist,
-    local_site_opt_to_slur_regex,
     process_markdown_opt,
     proxy_image_link_opt_apub,
+    slur_regex,
   },
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   sensitive::SensitiveString,
   source::{
     activity::ActorType,
-    local_site::LocalSite,
     person::{Person as DbPerson, PersonInsertForm, PersonUpdateForm},
   },
   traits::{ApubActor, Crud},
@@ -123,28 +121,26 @@ impl Object for ApubPerson {
     expected_domain: &Url,
     context: &Data<Self::DataType>,
   ) -> LemmyResult<()> {
-    let local_site_data = local_site_data_cached(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-    let slur_regex = &local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(&local_site_data.local_site);
-    check_slurs(&person.preferred_username, slur_regex)?;
-    check_slurs_opt(&person.name, slur_regex)?;
+    let slur_regex = slur_regex(context).await?;
+    check_slurs(&person.preferred_username, &slur_regex)?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&person.name, &slur_regex)?;
 
     verify_domains_match(person.id.inner(), expected_domain)?;
     verify_is_remote_object(&person.id, context)?;
     check_apub_id_valid_with_strictness(person.id.inner(), false, context).await?;
 
     let bio = read_from_string_or_source_opt(&person.summary, &None, &person.source);
-    check_slurs_opt(&bio, slur_regex)?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&bio, &slur_regex)?;
     Ok(())
   }
 
   async fn from_json(person: Person, context: &Data<Self::DataType>) -> LemmyResult<ApubPerson> {
     let instance_id = fetch_instance_actor_for_object(&person.id, context).await?;
 
-    let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await.ok();
-    let slur_regex = &local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+    let slur_regex = slur_regex(context).await?;
     let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(context).await?;
     let bio = read_from_string_or_source_opt(&person.summary, &None, &person.source);
-    let bio = process_markdown_opt(&bio, slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
+    let bio = process_markdown_opt(&bio, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
     let bio = markdown_rewrite_remote_links_opt(bio, context).await;
     let avatar = proxy_image_link_opt_apub(person.icon.map(|i| i.url), context).await?;
     let banner = proxy_image_link_opt_apub(person.image.map(|i| i.url), context).await?;
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/objects/post.rs b/crates/apub/src/objects/post.rs
index b196cbdf0c..73bb77107e 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/objects/post.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/objects/post.rs
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ use crate::{
   activities::{generate_to, verify_person_in_community, verify_visibility},
   check_apub_id_valid_with_strictness,
   fetcher::markdown_links::{markdown_rewrite_remote_links_opt, to_local_url},
-  local_site_data_cached,
   objects::read_from_string_or_source_opt,
   protocol::{
     objects::{
@@ -28,12 +27,11 @@ use html2text::{from_read_with_decorator, render::TrivialDecorator};
 use lemmy_api_common::{
   context::LemmyContext,
   request::generate_post_link_metadata,
-  utils::{get_url_blocklist, local_site_opt_to_slur_regex, process_markdown_opt},
+  utils::{get_url_blocklist, process_markdown_opt, slur_regex},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   source::{
     community::Community,
-    local_site::LocalSite,
     person::Person,
     post::{Post, PostInsertForm, PostUpdateForm},
   },
@@ -164,9 +162,8 @@ impl Object for ApubPost {
     check_apub_id_valid_with_strictness(page.id.inner(), community.local, context).await?;
     verify_person_in_community(&page.creator()?, &community, context).await?;
 
-    let local_site_data = local_site_data_cached(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-    let slur_regex = &local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(&local_site_data.local_site);
-    check_slurs_opt(&page.name, slur_regex)?;
+    let slur_regex = slur_regex(context).await?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&page.name, &slur_regex)?;
 
     verify_domains_match(page.creator()?.inner(), page.id.inner())?;
     verify_visibility(&page.to, &page.cc, &community)?;
@@ -214,8 +211,6 @@ impl Object for ApubPost {
     }
 
     let first_attachment = page.attachment.first();
-    let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await.ok();
-
     let url = if let Some(attachment) = first_attachment.cloned() {
       Some(attachment.url())
     } else if page.kind == PageType::Video {
@@ -237,10 +232,10 @@ impl Object for ApubPost {
 
     let alt_text = first_attachment.cloned().and_then(Attachment::alt_text);
 
-    let slur_regex = &local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+    let slur_regex = slur_regex(context).await?;
 
     let body = read_from_string_or_source_opt(&page.content, &page.media_type, &page.source);
-    let body = process_markdown_opt(&body, slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
+    let body = process_markdown_opt(&body, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
     let body = markdown_rewrite_remote_links_opt(body, context).await;
     let language_id = Some(
       LanguageTag::to_language_id_single(page.language.unwrap_or_default(), &mut context.pool())
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/objects/private_message.rs b/crates/apub/src/objects/private_message.rs
index ba86e41f52..cfc60e041f 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/objects/private_message.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/objects/private_message.rs
@@ -18,17 +18,11 @@ use activitypub_federation::{
 use chrono::{DateTime, Utc};
 use lemmy_api_common::{
   context::LemmyContext,
-  utils::{
-    check_private_messages_enabled,
-    get_url_blocklist,
-    local_site_opt_to_slur_regex,
-    process_markdown,
-  },
+  utils::{check_private_messages_enabled, get_url_blocklist, process_markdown, slur_regex},
 };
 use lemmy_db_schema::{
   source::{
     instance::Instance,
-    local_site::LocalSite,
     person::Person,
     person_block::PersonBlock,
     private_message::{PrivateMessage as DbPrivateMessage, PrivateMessageInsertForm},
@@ -152,12 +146,11 @@ impl Object for ApubPrivateMessage {
     {
       check_private_messages_enabled(&recipient_local_user)?;
     }
-    let local_site = LocalSite::read(&mut context.pool()).await.ok();
-    let slur_regex = &local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(&local_site);
+    let slur_regex = slur_regex(context).await?;
     let url_blocklist = get_url_blocklist(context).await?;
 
     let content = read_from_string_or_source(&note.content, &None, &note.source);
-    let content = process_markdown(&content, slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
+    let content = process_markdown(&content, &slur_regex, &url_blocklist, context).await?;
     let content = markdown_rewrite_remote_links(content, context).await;
 
     let form = PrivateMessageInsertForm {
diff --git a/crates/apub/src/protocol/objects/group.rs b/crates/apub/src/protocol/objects/group.rs
index fc7d813ade..cd0a6f146e 100644
--- a/crates/apub/src/protocol/objects/group.rs
+++ b/crates/apub/src/protocol/objects/group.rs
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ use crate::{
     community_moderators::ApubCommunityModerators,
     community_outbox::ApubCommunityOutbox,
   },
-  local_site_data_cached,
   objects::community::ApubCommunity,
   protocol::{
     objects::{Endpoints, LanguageTag},
@@ -26,7 +25,7 @@ use activitypub_federation::{
   },
 };
 use chrono::{DateTime, Utc};
-use lemmy_api_common::{context::LemmyContext, utils::local_site_opt_to_slur_regex};
+use lemmy_api_common::{context::LemmyContext, utils::slur_regex};
 use lemmy_utils::{
   error::LemmyResult,
   utils::slurs::{check_slurs, check_slurs_opt},
@@ -89,12 +88,11 @@ impl Group {
     check_apub_id_valid_with_strictness(self.id.inner(), true, context).await?;
     verify_domains_match(expected_domain, self.id.inner())?;
 
-    let local_site_data = local_site_data_cached(&mut context.pool()).await?;
-    let slur_regex = &local_site_opt_to_slur_regex(&local_site_data.local_site);
+    let slur_regex = slur_regex(context).await?;
 
-    check_slurs(&self.preferred_username, slur_regex)?;
-    check_slurs_opt(&self.name, slur_regex)?;
-    check_slurs_opt(&self.summary, slur_regex)?;
+    check_slurs(&self.preferred_username, &slur_regex)?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&self.name, &slur_regex)?;
+    check_slurs_opt(&self.summary, &slur_regex)?;
     Ok(())
   }
 }
diff --git a/crates/utils/src/utils/slurs.rs b/crates/utils/src/utils/slurs.rs
index 8df7bc3d36..6d594d1299 100644
--- a/crates/utils/src/utils/slurs.rs
+++ b/crates/utils/src/utils/slurs.rs
@@ -1,45 +1,25 @@
 use crate::error::{LemmyErrorExt, LemmyErrorType, LemmyResult};
-use regex::{Regex, RegexBuilder};
+use regex::Regex;
 
-pub fn remove_slurs(test: &str, slur_regex: &Option<LemmyResult<Regex>>) -> String {
-  if let Some(Ok(slur_regex)) = slur_regex {
-    slur_regex.replace_all(test, "*removed*").to_string()
-  } else {
-    test.to_string()
-  }
+pub fn remove_slurs(test: &str, slur_regex: &Regex) -> String {
+  slur_regex.replace_all(test, "*removed*").to_string()
 }
 
-pub(crate) fn slur_check<'a>(
-  test: &'a str,
-  slur_regex: &'a Option<LemmyResult<Regex>>,
-) -> Result<(), Vec<&'a str>> {
-  if let Some(Ok(slur_regex)) = slur_regex {
-    let mut matches: Vec<&str> = slur_regex.find_iter(test).map(|mat| mat.as_str()).collect();
+pub(crate) fn slur_check<'a>(test: &'a str, slur_regex: &'a Regex) -> Result<(), Vec<&'a str>> {
+  let mut matches: Vec<&str> = slur_regex.find_iter(test).map(|mat| mat.as_str()).collect();
 
-    // Unique
-    matches.sort_unstable();
-    matches.dedup();
+  // Unique
+  matches.sort_unstable();
+  matches.dedup();
 
-    if matches.is_empty() {
-      Ok(())
-    } else {
-      Err(matches)
-    }
-  } else {
+  if matches.is_empty() {
     Ok(())
+  } else {
+    Err(matches)
   }
 }
 
-pub fn build_slur_regex(regex_str: Option<&str>) -> Option<LemmyResult<Regex>> {
-  regex_str.map(|slurs| {
-    RegexBuilder::new(slurs)
-      .case_insensitive(true)
-      .build()
-      .with_lemmy_type(LemmyErrorType::InvalidRegex)
-  })
-}
-
-pub fn check_slurs(text: &str, slur_regex: &Option<LemmyResult<Regex>>) -> LemmyResult<()> {
+pub fn check_slurs(text: &str, slur_regex: &Regex) -> LemmyResult<()> {
   if let Err(slurs) = slur_check(text, slur_regex) {
     Err(anyhow::anyhow!("{}", slurs_vec_to_str(&slurs))).with_lemmy_type(LemmyErrorType::Slurs)
   } else {
@@ -47,10 +27,7 @@ pub fn check_slurs(text: &str, slur_regex: &Option<LemmyResult<Regex>>) -> Lemmy
   }
 }
 
-pub fn check_slurs_opt(
-  text: &Option<String>,
-  slur_regex: &Option<LemmyResult<Regex>>,
-) -> LemmyResult<()> {
+pub fn check_slurs_opt(text: &Option<String>, slur_regex: &Regex) -> LemmyResult<()> {
   match text {
     Some(t) => check_slurs(t, slur_regex),
     None => Ok(()),
@@ -67,7 +44,7 @@ pub(crate) fn slurs_vec_to_str(slurs: &[&str]) -> String {
 mod test {
 
   use crate::{
-    error::{LemmyErrorExt, LemmyErrorType, LemmyResult},
+    error::LemmyResult,
     utils::slurs::{remove_slurs, slur_check, slurs_vec_to_str},
   };
   use pretty_assertions::assert_eq;
@@ -75,7 +52,7 @@ mod test {
 
   #[test]
   fn test_slur_filter() -> LemmyResult<()> {
-    let slur_regex = Some(RegexBuilder::new(r"(fag(g|got|tard)?\b|cock\s?sucker(s|ing)?|ni((g{2,}|q)+|[gq]{2,})[e3r]+(s|z)?|mudslime?s?|kikes?|\bspi(c|k)s?\b|\bchinks?|gooks?|bitch(es|ing|y)?|whor(es?|ing)|\btr(a|@)nn?(y|ies?)|\b(b|re|r)tard(ed)?s?)").case_insensitive(true).build().with_lemmy_type(LemmyErrorType::InvalidRegex));
+    let slur_regex = RegexBuilder::new(r"(fag(g|got|tard)?\b|cock\s?sucker(s|ing)?|ni((g{2,}|q)+|[gq]{2,})[e3r]+(s|z)?|mudslime?s?|kikes?|\bspi(c|k)s?\b|\bchinks?|gooks?|bitch(es|ing|y)?|whor(es?|ing)|\btr(a|@)nn?(y|ies?)|\b(b|re|r)tard(ed)?s?)").case_insensitive(true).build()?;
     let test =
       "faggot test kike tranny cocksucker retardeds. Capitalized Niggerz. This is a bunch of other safe text.";
     let slur_free = "No slurs here";
diff --git a/crates/utils/src/utils/validation.rs b/crates/utils/src/utils/validation.rs
index bc4155e6b0..1147a0e216 100644
--- a/crates/utils/src/utils/validation.rs
+++ b/crates/utils/src/utils/validation.rs
@@ -221,31 +221,34 @@ fn min_length_check(item: &str, min_length: usize, min_msg: LemmyErrorType) -> L
 }
 
 /// Attempts to build a regex and check it for common errors before inserting into the DB.
-pub fn build_and_check_regex(regex_str_opt: &Option<&str>) -> Option<LemmyResult<Regex>> {
+pub fn build_and_check_regex(regex_str_opt: Option<&str>) -> LemmyResult<Regex> {
+  // Placeholder regex which doesnt match anything
+  // https://stackoverflow.com/a/940840
+  let match_nothing = RegexBuilder::new("a^")
+    .build()
+    .with_lemmy_type(LemmyErrorType::InvalidRegex);
   if let Some(regex) = regex_str_opt {
     if regex.is_empty() {
-      None
+      match_nothing
     } else {
-      Some(
-        RegexBuilder::new(regex)
-          .case_insensitive(true)
-          .build()
-          .with_lemmy_type(LemmyErrorType::InvalidRegex)
-          .and_then(|regex| {
-            // NOTE: It is difficult to know, in the universe of user-crafted regex, which ones
-            // may match against any string text. To keep it simple, we'll match the regex
-            // against an innocuous string - a single number - which should help catch a regex
-            // that accidentally matches against all strings.
-            if regex.is_match("1") {
-              Err(LemmyErrorType::PermissiveRegex.into())
-            } else {
-              Ok(regex)
-            }
-          }),
-      )
+      RegexBuilder::new(regex)
+        .case_insensitive(true)
+        .build()
+        .with_lemmy_type(LemmyErrorType::InvalidRegex)
+        .and_then(|regex| {
+          // NOTE: It is difficult to know, in the universe of user-crafted regex, which ones
+          // may match against any string text. To keep it simple, we'll match the regex
+          // against an innocuous string - a single number - which should help catch a regex
+          // that accidentally matches against all strings.
+          if regex.is_match("1") {
+            Err(LemmyErrorType::PermissiveRegex.into())
+          } else {
+            Ok(regex)
+          }
+        })
     }
   } else {
-    None
+    match_nothing
   }
 }
 
@@ -566,46 +569,39 @@ Line3",
   }
 
   #[test]
-  fn test_valid_slur_regex() {
+  fn test_valid_slur_regex() -> LemmyResult<()> {
     let valid_regex = Some("(foo|bar)");
-    let result = build_and_check_regex(&valid_regex);
-    assert!(
-      result.is_some_and(|x| x.is_ok()),
-      "Testing regex: {:?}",
-      valid_regex
-    );
-  }
+    build_and_check_regex(valid_regex)?;
 
-  #[test]
-  fn test_missing_slur_regex() {
     let missing_regex = None;
-    let result = build_and_check_regex(&missing_regex);
-    assert!(result.is_none());
-  }
+    let match_none = build_and_check_regex(missing_regex)?;
+    assert!(!match_none.is_match(""));
+    assert!(!match_none.is_match("a"));
 
-  #[test]
-  fn test_empty_slur_regex() {
     let empty = Some("");
-    let result = build_and_check_regex(&empty);
-    assert!(result.is_none());
+    let match_none = build_and_check_regex(empty)?;
+    assert!(!match_none.is_match(""));
+    assert!(!match_none.is_match("a"));
+
+    Ok(())
   }
 
   #[test]
   fn test_too_permissive_slur_regex() {
     let match_everything_regexes = [
-      (&Some("["), LemmyErrorType::InvalidRegex),
-      (&Some("(foo|bar|)"), LemmyErrorType::PermissiveRegex),
-      (&Some(".*"), LemmyErrorType::PermissiveRegex),
+      (Some("["), LemmyErrorType::InvalidRegex),
+      (Some("(foo|bar|)"), LemmyErrorType::PermissiveRegex),
+      (Some(".*"), LemmyErrorType::PermissiveRegex),
     ];
 
     match_everything_regexes
-      .iter()
+      .into_iter()
       .for_each(|(regex_str, expected_err)| {
         let result = build_and_check_regex(regex_str);
 
-        assert!(result.as_ref().is_some_and(Result::is_err));
+        assert!(result.is_err());
         assert!(
-          result.is_some_and(|x| x.is_err_and(|e| e.error_type.eq(&expected_err.clone()))),
+          result.is_err_and(|e| e.error_type.eq(&expected_err.clone())),
           "Testing regex {:?}, expected error {}",
           regex_str,
           expected_err