What would you do if your manager used this word?

[Shimmyshine193]

If they referred to someone, indirectly as a m*ng?

I absolutely hate the word because I had an aunt who had Down syndrome, and this word used to be thrown around a lot in reference to Down Syndrome people.

As someone who has a relative with Downs syndrome I would be deeply offended and I would make in a formal complaint.
It's as bad as someone using a racist term which rightly wouldn't be acceptable so why so some people think it's acceptable to use disablist language?

In that case they need challenging. It is never acceptable and is deeply offensive

Fair enough, but I've never heard it before, and yes I have been known to leave the house!

I'm a frequent inhabitant of the outside world and I don't hear it.

curious to know who you and others are hearing using it. I would be really horrified. I had words with a temp using a different word that I find unacceptable but he was mostly raised in the US and he reckoned it's okay there. I dunno, I worked in the US and never heard it there but that was a long time ago.

As a teenager in the 90s, we regularly used this word. I didn't even think about any connotations, we just loved the word as a way to say ' that person is such an idiot '. It really meant no more.

Now, I realise it's not a good word because it's a derogatory term for a disabled person. I do believe there will be people who don't actually stop, engage brain and realise this is insulting to certain people.

I personally would keep a mental note but wouldn't lose sleep. I'd be aware though that there could be more shockers under the managers veneer that may pop out over time.

I often leave the house and never hear it - because the people I mix with know it’s offensive. You need better friends, colleagues and acquaintances.

I'd just holler "Dennis! You can't say mong any more!!!" and see what response I get. Wouldn't go snitching to HR unless this was part of a wider pattern of grossly offensive behavior.

Normal in the 90s. Not any more.

If you ever hear anything offensive in life you must live in a very dull and restrictive bubble. I almost feel sorry for you.

I was quite surprised to hear DS11 use the words 'retard' and 'spaz' recently, having picked them up at school (year 7). He has no idea what they really meant or where they come from and was horrified when I explained and told him, in no uncertain terms, that I never, ever wanted to hear them again. But they're apparently both commonly thrown around at school.

I've noticed teenagers that I work with have been saying it.
I hadn't heard it being used in years but it's having a bit of a resurgence at the moment.

My boss used it once (about 10 years ago for context). As soon as he was by himself I went to his office and quietly told him it was absolutely unacceptable. He apologised and has never used it again.

I’m sorry… WHAT?!

You need to take a good look at the people you’re associating with if you think that’s an acceptable word to use.

It depends what “side” you’re on?! You mean like.. a good decent person or an uneducated, misinformed ableist?!

Not really. I’ve also never heard it but I don’t work or socialise with Neanderthals. I’m really sorry that you do, and I’m sorry that you think keeping racist and disablist people at arms’ length is “dull and restrictive”.

'Monged' (out) is a an old English word of a completely different meaning and etymology. Good job you didn't say anything!!

It used to be used as an insult in the 80,s but I haven't heard it in a long time
It's very offensive similar to calling Someone the R word or a S*

Maybe they should educate themselves
It was always offensive because it was used as an insult to.imply someone ,was ,slow
Because children with Down syndrome used to be reffered to.As " Mongols"

If it was the shortened form of 'spastic' then yes it's normal there. I read it in a local mailing once and was shocked.
On the flipside, they have words with connotations that we don't. It's interesting!

Report to HR.

A colleague of mine said that word (or something similarly as awful, I really can’t recall) in front of HR and I (the Legal Counsel) and I joked firmly not to use inappropriate language in front of HR. He said it wasn’t inappropriate and she said “I don’t mind” and LAUGHED. So I said well I do mind and if you say it in the office again, we’ll be having a conversation about it HR involved or NOT. It’s unacceptable and I won’t tolerate it.

He was clearly embarrassed but if that’s what it takes then good. While someone may never “pick on” a disabled person directly, using that language is derogatory and unacceptable in 2025. My nephew has severe disabilities (CP, epilepsy, blind, peg fed) so it’s close to home for me but that shouldn’t mean I advocate more than anyone else. My best friend is gay but I’d still not stand for homophobia in my presence if he weren’t!

I'd probably laugh, but then I'm not easily offended.

That said, this type of language should not be used in the workplace.

in america they dont seem to mind retard,
or at least they didnt
i dont hear the word mong in my day to day
i dont need anyone's sympathy

Challenge it, say that word is unacceptable.

No way would my manager ever use it though.

Very offensive, I shocked and like someone else said not heard that for a long time (thank goodness!).