Dear 3rdnlng,
Although I respect the creative process that may have been exercised to produce "assmudgeon," "bitchmudgeon," and the like, I have yet to see a legal claim, copyright or otherwise, to the use of the terms. Out of respect for the creative process, in the future I may request permission, however these requests are not guaranteed prior to my use of "assmudgeon" or "bitchmudgeon."
Perhaps you should consider a legal claim in your sig, a la DC Tom.
Regards,
Levi