Yes, emotions are rising as the Ravens prepare to meet the Steelers in Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon in the second round of the NFL Playoffs. But when talking about the contest, go easy on the "h-word." All this week players, fans and members of the media have been tossing out the word "hate" as freely as salted peanuts.

Hating is ugly and malevolent. On the ladder of behavior, it is many rungs down from razzing and bantering and ribbing. Hate feeds maliciousness and cruelty.

Such casual and often inaccurate use of the word is especially inappropriate in the aftermath of the shootings in Tucson, Ariz., when Americans are trying to civilize our public discourse. This week, viewers of the evening news could watch President Barack Obama and House Speaker John A. Boehner call for an end to rancor, only to be followed a few minutes later with a report that the game between the Steelers and Ravens was all about loathing.

It might be tempting to dismiss such talk as inconsequential, a benign byproduct of professional sports. But sporting events and professional athletes are prominent parts of our culture. They have an impact on behavior. Endorsing the notion that we should hate our sporting rivals is wrong and could be damaging.

We are not suggesting that hugging Steeler fans, or even liking them, should be mandatory. But in the spirited talk that surrounds the game, remember that levity and civility go a long way.

Not only do semantics matter, they also can bring a team a little luck. Back in 2000, Brian Billick, then the Ravens coach, did not want to jinx the team's chance to make it to the post-season by mentioning the words "playoffs." He substituted the word "festivus," and the Ravens went on to become world champions.

So, dislike or even mislike the Steelers, but steer clear of the h-word, and perhaps we will enjoy another festivus.