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Is it socially acceptable to describe someone as a bit weird?

110 replies

ThejoyofNC · 13/03/2026 16:48

Having a discussion with a friend. Is it socially acceptable to say something like "he's a bit weird" these days?

YANBU- yes
YABU- no

OP posts:
WongKarWai · 13/03/2026 17:48

ThejoyofNC · 13/03/2026 17:47

A lot of people are saying they need examples but I'd say what is weird is subjective as everyone's idea of normal is different.

There's definitely different levels of weirdness though.

Yes, there’s creepy weird and a bit quirky weird just for starters.

ThejoyofNC · 13/03/2026 17:47

A lot of people are saying they need examples but I'd say what is weird is subjective as everyone's idea of normal is different.

There's definitely different levels of weirdness though.

OP posts:
wheredidtheteago · 13/03/2026 17:47

All depends on tone and context surely. My partner and I are weirdos (lovingly) but some people are… weirdos.. ya know what I mean. I don’t think there’s a problem pointing it out.

faerylights · 13/03/2026 17:45

Okiedokie123 · 13/03/2026 17:44

Absolutely nothing!

A lot of people would hate to be weird and are happily average/normal...... Im happy being weird and being thought of as weird rather than averagely normal.

Well, you clearly think something is wrong with it if you refer to it as boring.

Okiedokie123 · 13/03/2026 17:44

faerylights · 13/03/2026 17:31

What's wrong with being average? The vast majority of people in existence are average.

Absolutely nothing!

A lot of people would hate to be weird and are happily average/normal...... Im happy being weird and being thought of as weird rather than averagely normal.

SpidersAreShitheads · 13/03/2026 17:43

More context needed I think.

There are some words and phrases that aren’t ok in any way - racist, homophobic, ableist terms, to cite just a few.

There are other words that are fine and acceptable in every setting, including at work.

And then there are other words that are fine with family and friends but probably not anywhere else - like swearing, or certain types of casual language. I think for most people “weird” would fall into this latter group.

All humans judge others. It’s nonsense to suggest that you don’t. It’s part of our innate survival instinct. Sometimes it’s ok to share those thoughts with a trusted audience - sometimes you need to keep them to yourself. We all have different lines on what’s ok.

I’m AuDHD and am definitely weird. And I’m absolutely ok with that. I quite like my weirdness tbh.

Aside from the really unpleasant slurs, I think usually it’s less about the words used and more about the intent. If someone laughingly said about me “aaah she’s a bit weird” I’d have zero issues. But if they were being spiteful and trying to influence others into not being friends with me by calling me weird, I’d be pretty cross.

NovemberMorn · 13/03/2026 17:41

ThejoyofNC · 13/03/2026 17:34

Hmm quite split responses. The responses don't seem to match the poll which is weird (😉). Some people seem to be weird and proud and others think it's offensive.

I don't think anybody is ever really normal but I don't think I could get my knickers in a twist over being called weird.

I think it depends who is saying it, and their definition of weird.

My grandkids call me and my husband weird, when I have asked why? they say it's because we are not like normal grandparents...as in we are not like grandparents of old... we tend to do more than their parents do with them, activities, eating out and so on.
So I don't mind them using the word weird in that context.
If someone else called me weird...I wouldn't like it.

SunnyRedSnail · 13/03/2026 17:40

@ThejoyofNC I would argue that weird is not a bad thing at all. It means different and different is good. I'm often described as quirky. If someone said i was weird I wouldn't be offended at all.

The fact someone is calling someone weird almost implies to me that the person themselves is perhaps boring or maybe even a bit jealous!

layingwoody · 13/03/2026 17:38

Obviously it’s rude. Would you like it if someone described you as “a bit weird?” What a weird question. Has it ever been acceptable to call someone weird?!

mumofoneAloneandwell · 13/03/2026 17:36

TheSlantedOwl · 13/03/2026 16:49

You’ve put YANBU for both options!

Me when I am always right:

faerylights · 13/03/2026 17:35

ThejoyofNC · 13/03/2026 17:34

Hmm quite split responses. The responses don't seem to match the poll which is weird (😉). Some people seem to be weird and proud and others think it's offensive.

I don't think anybody is ever really normal but I don't think I could get my knickers in a twist over being called weird.

It's not that I find it offensive as such - just unnecessary and a bit unkind.

ThejoyofNC · 13/03/2026 17:34

Hmm quite split responses. The responses don't seem to match the poll which is weird (😉). Some people seem to be weird and proud and others think it's offensive.

I don't think anybody is ever really normal but I don't think I could get my knickers in a twist over being called weird.

OP posts:
faerylights · 13/03/2026 17:31

Okiedokie123 · 13/03/2026 17:26

Nah tbh. People think Im weird. I take it as a compliment. Im happier being weird than averagely beige aka boring.

What's wrong with being average? The vast majority of people in existence are average.

Natsku · 13/03/2026 17:30

I describe people as a bit weird all the time, usually when I'm introducing my brother to someone and saying 'don't mind him, he's a bit weird' because well, he is. And so am I tbh (genetic innit) and I don't mind people describing me as weird.

SomedayIllBeSaturdayNight · 13/03/2026 17:28

It's pretty rude, and not a compliment for sure.

Wildgoat · 13/03/2026 17:27

Depends on who you’re speaking to. To your partner, kids, mates totally fine to a work colleague no.

GreenSmithing · 13/03/2026 17:27

Ethil · 13/03/2026 17:21

This is a perfect example of how we moderate our language now because of fear of reprisals - we behave as if everything is recorded for posterity

I mean, yes. If you write it down, it is recorded for posterity...

I don't write anything down that I wouldn't want screenshot and sent around WhatsApp. And i don't think that's a bad rule to live by

tsmainsqueeze · 13/03/2026 17:27

I work in a public facing role and if my colleagues describe someone as weird or i do the same to them then we know to be wary of this person.
We are a sensible bunch of people who look out for each other so in this example i don't care that it may be socially unacceptable.

NovemberMorn · 13/03/2026 17:27

It's not really socially acceptable, but then many people are more relaxed when talking amongst friends and family....they may say things they wouldn't say to a persons face.

In any case, one woman's 'weird' may be someone else's 'normal'.

Okiedokie123 · 13/03/2026 17:26

Hiddenhouse · 13/03/2026 16:56

I always think how would I feel if someone said it about me. Would you mind if someone described you that way?

Nah tbh. People think Im weird. I take it as a compliment. Im happier being weird than averagely beige aka boring.

Wingedharpy · 13/03/2026 17:25

"A bit of an oddity" was my DM's way of describing the unusual among us.
And we're all a bit odd in our own way.

gannett · 13/03/2026 17:25

GreenSmithing · 13/03/2026 17:13

I think it's fine in a casual conversation with friends. I wouldn't write it down.

These days I find people are more likely to say 'almost certainly autistic' or (worse) 'on the spectrum' or (worst) 'neuro-spicy'. Personally, I think randomly diagnosing people is more offensive than saying someone is a bit weird, but it seems more normal to do that now.

Random armchair diagnoses of autism are peak MN bingo.

Every single thread will contain one at some point. Doesn't matter what the thread is about.

HopSpringsEternal · 13/03/2026 17:23

My cousin just described our whole family as a family of weirdos. I couldn't but agree.!

RedToothBrush · 13/03/2026 17:23

"Being weird" in neutral in whether it's a good thing or a bad thing.

Some times it's a compliment. Sometimes it's not.

Personally I don't mind it and would probably treat it as a compliment even if it was said in a negative manner because I don't like conforming to bullshit.

TeenLifeMum · 13/03/2026 17:22

I think I’d be more offended to be described as totally normal.