Is It Forbidden to Say the Names of Demons?

Greetings, There is no issue in saying the word shed; however, it is advisable to avoid saying the actual names of demons. Sources: The Ben Ish Chai (Year 1, Parashat Pekudei, Section 10) warns against mentioning the name 'Samech-Mem' even during the day, and all the more so at night, which is the time of its dominion. It also instructs that the names of demons in foreign languages should not be uttered by a person, for demons are partly under the domain of Samech-Mem and gain strength when they are remembered, as mentioned in Sha'ar HaKavanot. Accordingly, it appears that the stringency is specifically in refraining from mentioning the names of demons, but saying the word 'demons' (shedim) itself is not a concern. The notes of Rabbi Meir Mazuz, shlit"a, on the Ben Ish Chai confirm this understanding, indicating that there is no problem in saying 'shedim'. Indeed, there are those who are stringent to say 'shin-yud-nun-dalet-yud-mem' (a coded way to avoid pronouncing the name), but this is beyond the basic ruling. Blessings, Hillel Meirs