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