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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Oh my god you retard - AIBU to think the parents need telling off?

34 replies

carabos · 03/09/2013 15:30

I'm working in my office at home. NDN's two DSs (10 and 7) are playing outside.

Older one has just said to younger one "Oh my god you retard why did you do that?". I have no idea who has done what, but AIBU to think this must be a case of "monkey see, monkey do" and the parents need telling off?

OP posts:
SoupDragon · 03/09/2013 16:09

Older one has just said to younger one "Oh my god you retard why did you do that?". I have no idea who has done what, but AIBU to think this must be a case of "monkey see, monkey do" and the parents need telling off?

You're completely wrong. I've heard DSs say it and it is certainly not a word I have ever used since leaving my teenage years behind me.

Needless to say I pulled them up on it.

Madamecastafiore · 03/09/2013 16:12

DS has used the word Mong before. I work in CAMHS, the learning disability team at present and he most certainly did not get it from me so you are being a bit presumptuous to blame the parents.

MammaTJ · 03/09/2013 16:13

I most certainly never say that, yet my 18 year old DD has said it, and been told off by me!

YABU!

PaperSeagull · 03/09/2013 16:13

It absolutely is not an acceptable word in the US. Yes, some kids (and even some idiotic adults, like Ann Coulter) do say it, but that doesn't mean it is accepted by the mainstream. It really isn't.

DollyClothespeg · 03/09/2013 16:14

Dolly. No. There you go, then. Believe me they pick things up from all over.

TheFallenNinja · 03/09/2013 16:15

I think if somebody came knocking to "tell me off" for something my children may or may not have said they would hear something's that they certainly wouldn't like.

Telling off. Tut

ouryve · 03/09/2013 16:19

How do you know that the parents wouldn't be as shocked by it as you.

Have a quiet word, by all means, if the opportunity arises, but don't march around there brandishing your torch.

epic78 · 03/09/2013 16:21

My ds aged 7 picked the word up from minecraft. He had no idea how insulting it was. He got really upset when i explained and he has never said it again.
Nice to know people would judge me because of this.

Feminine · 03/09/2013 16:41

Common expression in the US. With all the TV imports it is no surprise!

I don't know how to stop it, other than to keep reminding our children.

Mine are Americans also, so they hear it lots.

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