Do you find the word "retarded" offensive?

Question

WhiteSteve · Accepted Answer

I don’t find words offensive, period. I concern myself with people’s intents and actions. If you aren’t making a person who is actually legitimately retarded/challenged/disabled/whatever the “PC” term is these days feel bad about themselves, than you haven’t violated anything. My half-brother is retarded, and that’s how his condition is referred to in my family. He’s 63 years old, he’s been aware that he’s “mentally retarded” since he was diagnosed in the 1950s. Like that’s simply just what the condition was called. Look up the definition of “retarded” in the dictionary, it’s quite accurate to describe the state of his mental development, so I don’t really see what the problem is or why we decided that was too mean to say. The word came first, the “na-na-na-na-na-na, you’re a retard!” stuff from from mean spirited children came second, so I don’t know why we’ve just deferred to the insulting context. You can start doing that with whatever PC term they use today, the problem is only a problem when that person is directly affected.

I have the utmost respect for insert-your-favorite-PC-term-for-them, I’d never do anything directly to them to make them feel bad, I want to bring good vibes to people like that. But I’m strongly anti-word policing, just because it’s an absolutely foolish pursuit. I worry about actions first, thoughts and attitudes second, and the words that actually come out of people’s mouths are just smoke in the wind, I can’t be bothered to analyze and critique that shit. I said “retahhhhded” all the fucking time growing up, that’s a key word in the Boston dialect, it is what it is. Just like “queeeeaaahhh”, and I have no problem with LGBTQ people either. You can’t just decide how I feel about something by words I use when I don’t even mean them in the way you say I do. If I talk about a plane, am I talking about an airborne vehicle? Or am I talking about a flat surface, or a school of thought? The same words can have different meanings, they’re called homonyms, and we learn about them in elementary school. No one but me gets to define my words, and if you need clarification, just ask. Lord willin’, I’ve got another 40 years to live, and I will not be spending it changing my vocabulary every five years because people need to find new shit to be offended by. I don’t mean that like “racist 90 year old grandpa at Thanksgiving dinner”, obviously if there’s something extreme I’d be sensitive to that. But in 2019, we should have most of this figured out already. Basically, let’s get a solid list together by say, 2022, and then let’s just call that “the list” for everyone currently alive on the planet to adhere to til we all die. YEESH.

StephenCF · Accepted Answer

No, but I know someone who does, so I no longer use it around her just to keep the peace. When I did let it slip out long ago & she gave me her opinion, it lead to an argument because I hate pussies who are afraid of words, especially in this “evolved” society. God forbid they’re ever chosen to defend us in a war 🙈

“Retardation” is actually a mental disability term, used even by doctors. I did send an article about this to the girl at one point in a comments section of hers on Facebook, hoping she’d come to her senses and be an adult about it from now on, but she quickly deleted it 😒😒😒 We’re still friends, but are a lot more distant these days. I hope I don’t meet any more people like her though

TacocaT6969 · Accepted Answer

Like many words the word retarded has more than one meaning based on the context.

The word retarded can be hate speech for mental disability or it can be used to describe a level of stupidity that goes beyond any existing word.

For example, calling someone who was born mentally disabled retarded is offensive to all people who were born mentally disabled.

Calling someone who was born normal yet says something like “all women are bisexual” retarded is a direct insult that person’s intelligence and isn’t directed towards anybody but that person.

BrookieCookie0422 · Accepted Answer

I don’t find any word offensive. It’s the way you use a word. Not the word itself.

Based on societal standards the word retarded can be offensive. But that word used to be a medical term used to describe mentally retarded people and was used regularly even among people who weren’t doctors. Now it’s developed into an insult.

So, the question is, are you a pussy who can’t take a joke?

Cammy137 · Answer

Offensive in the sense that if someone is calling you retarded and you aren't retarded, then they're trying to be offensive, yes. But I use it all the time.

CoffeeWC · Answer

By itself no. Without context it's not meant to be offensive.

Artemis_Firebolt · Answer

Yes, but only if it is used to describe or insult someone who has physical disabilities or learning difficulties. Using that word to describe a human in any circumstances is outdated mainly because it's become an insult, and because we have many more intelligent and respectful ways to describe people with disabilities. That being said, as a pilot I'd retard the throttles on landing to reduce power to the engines. It's a word what should be used when appropriate, and the only time it's not appropriate is when you're talking about a human.

HOAAH · Answer

I do, because it implies a name calling that cannot be changed... like judging. If someone did something wrong, i would just state my feelings and my desires and ask nicely if it can be done. I would not attack the other person. Usually, people get defensive if you attack.

Dog20 · Answer

No it doesn't. People used to call me retarded all the time in middle school. But to be honest im a very stupid/ slow person. Mainly people in middle school would call me that but honestly I'd say screw those kids.

I don't think I have a mental disability, I'm just fucking stupid...

lgutierrez0813 · Answer

Having been through epilepsy, it doesn't bother me one bit. People brought me down for my disability, at some point you just get used to every offensive word there is and accept that this is life. People will judge without ever putting a limit to themselves or realizing their own flaws.

dropkicknj13 · Answer

It shouldn't ever be offensive since it is a literal word and not a slur. It would be like thinking the word "short" was offensive because people are unhappy about being short. Are we going to start saying "vertically challenged"? No, they're short, it is the adjective to literally describe what they are.

Grobmate · Answer

No. Not in the slightest. Variable valve timing can be retarded... and advanced. These professional victims need to go to Mars. I'm sick of this political correctness bullshit. Get some resilience, harden up and stop being actively seeking to be offended.

TadCurious · Answer

It shouldn't be. It's a word that has applicability outside the context of mental retardation. Those uses just aren't as well known. And even in the case of mental retardation the word has legitimate meaning. If saying "cognitive disability" is in vogue today when will that be deemed offensive by some people in the future? Actually "disability" is already frowned upon in some circles already. Who gets to decide which words we're supposed to discard?

JackSmy · Answer

Depends on how it is used, like some other words! Carlos Mencia had a stand up routine, that explains it, the way I see it: Some rather aggressive language and words, if that bothers you, don't watch!

brendon76 · Answer

I don’t find it offensive but it’s probably because I grew up in the 80’s when people used the word loosely. However I am more sensitive about it now and don’t use it myself because I do have a nephew who has specials needs and could be considered to fall in that category. But even with that it doesn’t bother me but I try to be aware of it now.

Hamsteroids · Answer

If someone called me that, I wouldn’t care so no it wouldn’t be offensive to me in that sense. BUT, if someone called a mentally challenged person that, I’d be offended for them. Seems pretty cruel to say to someone, especially since it’s not politically correct.

Anonymous · Answer

I have mild cerabel pawsy so I can speak completely fine but have some issues with the way I walk etc. When me and my other disabled friends or even my close family members use the word retarded it's funny and playful not a problem. If it's used to hurt or put me down its horrible I can't think of anything worse.

Ananchor · Answer

To retard something is to stop it from progressing
Thats how it became a blanket term for people with developmental delays, their intelligence was retarded. Then it became a cruel name for anyone who did something stupid and thus a bad name instead of a term.

cth96190 · Answer

Retarded is not offensive to me, nor should it be offensive to anyone who has a rational cognitive process, because it is the correct term for someone (or something) that falls within the defined meaning of the word.
SJW snowflakes, who have been conditioned to be unable to cope with reality, should read 1984 (Orwell, 1948) to learn why their Communist masters like to play games with the meanings of words, among other things.

kate52 · Answer

my uncle is challenged and i was supposed to be (they ran tests on me before i was born). my mom was also a special ed teacher in a rough neighborhood and i was raised playing with her students. after seeing the effect of that word on a young child, yeah i find it pretty damn offensive

JayParris · Answer

It means "slow". That's it. It was used to replace the insult "idiot", and after retard came "slow" and then "learning disabled" and then "mentally challenged" and then "different".

Because as smart as humans claim to be, we haven't figured out that changing a word doesn't change reality.

datgirl · Answer

I don't. I mean if thats the case we should just stop saying the words dumb, stupid and idiot 🤷🏽‍♀️ i don't use the word retarded though its just not the first word that comes to my mind, but sometimes like very rarely it'd just slip out and then immediately after i start thinking "oh shit, this person is gonna hate me"

OverShadowed · Answer

Not at all, and I am literally retarded, I have multiple literacy deficiencies and other such mental disabilities that have caused delays in my learning especially surrounding spelling and and maths. I don't understand why people would find it offensive.

JustADuDuDude · Answer

Um... well... this is going to sound cliche, but it depends on the context really.

When used as a direct insult to someone and not as a joke among-st good friends, especially if the person actually has a mental disorder, it can indeed be very offensive.

However, the word itself, when not used as a derogatory... not really.

Wowgirl30q · Answer

I work with kids who have down syndrome. It's horrible saying that it's a child you can be hurting with a word like that,, wtf?

morimeme1 · Answer

Offensive to the person who is called that or offensive to people with actual problems of mental development?

DeviloftheValleys · Answer

No more than I find cripple, schizo, or mongoloid offensive.

They are offensive, frank words that are descriptors for people. We shouldn't get too picky about using them, because that will limit our language. Offensive words are tools - just like swear words. If "cunt" wasn't offensive, nobody would use the word. If I call someone a mongoloid or retard, I mean business - and everyone knows it.

LogicBomber · Answer

People who are offended by words have retarded our society.

*Note retarded was used properly in that sentence. It isn't an "offensive" word... it's simply a word.
It can said to mean offense if you aim it at someone with intent to offend, but any word could become offensive if used in the same manner.

People need to stop being triggered children and learn to deal with things they don't like.

DedCriCri · Answer

Not in most context, but my family calls me retarded everytime I see them and it does hurt me sometimes.

Anonymous · Answer

I guess it does bother me if it's not used to describe someone who is actually mentally retarded.
If it's just used as an insult it sounds to me like the person saying it doesn't understand how lucky they are to have been born healthy and how incredibly hard people who are mentally retarded have it in life.
It's just not a joke to me.

valentine74 · Answer

Retard used as an insult is always held until I can't think of anything nastier to say to for example a slutty ex girllfriend with dirty dick diseases oozing from her orifices. Or if consent was not established after the fact telling of this is for retards

Wharvey98 · Answer

It’s not so much that I’m offended by it as I’m conscious of how it’s been used in the past to demean others. I have a friend who has an autistic sister that gets really upset when people say that though.

Hurdleez-Swampede · Answer

Usually but it depends what about. If it is used in a response to claim someone is stupid, then yes.

Like if someone is called retarded for believing in flat earth or certain religions, then it is used to demean the other person and not used in its correct form. That is offensive.

midnightmoon05 · Answer

If one does't wish to be call certain terms, then better to use nicer words... words can hurt, you have to know who you are speaking with. just be more considerate of others around.

Me27926 · Answer

Ok so I chose no becalease well why would i? Maybe it's not the best thing to say but my friends and I say it to eachother all the time and never take it wrong or nothing and if a stranger says it to me so be it it don't bug me

Anonymous · Answer

I don’t ever use that word anymore, because it does kinda feel wrong to me. There’s so many equivalents to the word anyways, I just don’t see the point in saying it when it really just hurts people’s feelings.

ManOnFire · Answer

Nope. Because when I use it I'm talking about people who are "supposed" to be "normal" but are actually mentally underdeveloped and idiotic. Which is... about 80% of the population.

SexyAshh · Answer

Not in the least. Just like anything else its the context you use it in.

Elia_Mason_Garofano · Answer

It depends on context. If the person is not clearly retarded why would anyone even bother saying this lie without doing a backlash to themselves? If the person is actually retarded I don't see the problem.

paronomasia · Answer

I don't personally get offended by it because nowadays it has lost the "significance" that it used to have, but I'd be upset if it were used towards someone who has a disability with malintent

Kyle_Apricot · Answer

I find the word "offensive" offensive.

BCA6010 · Answer

It literally means slow. I use it multiple times a day. People are going to lose your sh*t when they realize that "retard." And "retardando" are common terms used in music.

StingRayxoxo · Answer

Nope, not at all. Certain things turning unPC are annoying to me.

angelgirl7 · Answer

It doesn't necessarily offend me, however it's not part of my vocabulary nor do I see the reason for it to be a part of anyone else's.

Anonymous · Answer

Of course. It used to be used for a medical condition but it's absolutely inappropriate to use it for people who you think are stupid because you don't know what their medical status is. Even if people have been diagnosed with mental deficiency, it's still insulting because it is not their fault for having the medical condition.

spunkygiraffe · Answer

It's a crude insult, and I wouldn't use it, nor do I support its use.

clampfan101 · Answer

Unless it’s used purely in medical terms, very much so. That’s about as bad as calling a black person a n** or a small person a midget.

SuperManiac · Answer

I can't think of any word I find offensive on its own. Tone and context is everything to me.

someginger · Answer

I don't put am not disabled, I can see how it can hurt some people and it isn't a word I choose to use

Phanta · Answer

No. Calling someone a retard is wrong and offensive, but simply using the word retarded shouldn't be complained about.

bolverk · Answer

As with everything it depends on the context, if its used interference to some one in a derogatory manner, then yes if as as a descriptor then no. It is also a technical term used in engineering & science.

FalconSlayer · Answer

I don't find it offensive, because it's literally just a word. That's like saying that calling something "lame" offends people who actually can't walk. I mean, what do you say instead? "Mobility challenged"? XD

CaviarLilly · Answer

No it's hilarious. But I certainly understand why people do, so I remain refrain from using it in public.

ShadowofRegret · Answer

Not really, however it does seem to be a rather popular term when people start trying to insult each other on here.

louyaa · Answer

No that's retarded *then typical sitcom laugh plays*

LuvAsh · Answer

I don't think its a nice word to call anyone.. but ik some people say that jokingly. Similar to saying "stupid" or "dumb" but in a joking manner.

naijagurl · Answer

I personally don’t find it offensive but I understand why it would offend others.

Clo917 · Answer

No, it's not a word I commonly use, but I don't offhand find it offensive.

genericname85 · Answer

it's as offensive as "gender dysphoria". it's a mediacally correct term that has been loaded with negative associations. to me it's not offensive if not used with the intend to offend.

hindril · Answer

The word retarded means a little slower. It's a mechanical term when working on a carburetor. You adjust it one way to advance other air/gas mix or the other to retard the mix.

Gypsy_x · Answer

C. I don't find it offensive, but it makes me feel uncomfortable.

pervertedjester · Answer

No but I usually stick with "fucktarded" and it's synonyms. Because most of the time there is no Medical excuse for that kind of behavior.

sexphobe · Answer

depends on the context. calling someone a retard if they'e actually got mental problems/disability is offensive, but saying it to someone who isn't, just as a general insult is fine in my opinion

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