STOP using the word "retard".

[Sparklysilversequins]

This has been done many times before and I can't think why I am needing to do it again, except I have seen it used twice on here this morning already .

It's offensive. It's not JUST a word. It's no less offensive if you prefix it with "emotional" or use it to describe some silly thing you or a friend did, or some bloke you saw with his trousers half way down his backside as young men sometimes choose to do.

It may be that some believe that the use of this word is considered acceptable in other countries (ie the US) and this often trotted out as a reason for its use but that is not actually true here. As of 2014 the American Psychiatric Association plans to replace the term 'mental retardation' with 'intellectual development disorder'" in the 2013 edition of their manual.

most offensive terms used in relation to disability.

HTH.

I agree. I had a huge falling out with a friend of many years because his constant use of that word.

The final straw came when he used that word in the same sentence as calling women who wear short skirts 'sluts'.

Awful person.

Its not acceptable surely MN is deleting and stuff posts that use that word?

retardent isn't retard - the clue is in the 'ent' on the end. It means 'to impede'. Nothing at all similar to retard in use as a noun.

tardy isn't retard - the clue is in the missing 're' and extra 'y'. It means late. Again, nothing at all similar to retard in use as a noun.

retard in a musical sense - it's actually an Italian word 'ritardando' which is used. If you are concerned someone may be insulting the music, you can use that instead.

If 'don't use retard as a noun' is too difficult for you, perhaps the suggested rule could be:

"Never call a human being a retard."

Or are you going to justify that, some how?

Some people are genuinely ignorant unaware. I used to play a particular online game which had guilds. Someone said 'what a retard'. I said 'Please don't use that word. My DD is 'retarded'. It's offensive.' I got an apology and that individual never used the word again (in my sight).

Some people are more concerned about their freedom of expression and can't bear to lose one word from their vocabulary.

I agree with you OP, it always makes me uncomfortable when DS specialists use the term 'growth retardation' but obviously they are using it in a medical sense.

When people use it as an insult though it makes me want to smack them.

Lougle, do you play WoW? Our guild won't tolerate any of that sort of language.

I used to YouTheCat. Not any more. I play TERA now

"Never call a human being a retard."
This, every single time.

I'm sick of the term ''a bit special'' - I've heard it too often lately, at first I didn't realise exactly what it meant but now I do and I challenge people when I hear it.

I'd not heard of that one, Lougle. I shall have to tell dp as he's always on the look out for new free to play games.

Special where I live is now speckle in a baby voice just in case the person does not understand! Whilst words from the past need never be used again more must be done to stop the misuse of words before each generation creates a new list of abhorrent words from perfectly good words.

I wouldnt say it in public,but in this house,we say spastic all the time,for when someones being stupid.

Thanks for sharing that

Why wouldn't you say it in public?

Why? Why not just say stupid or daft or some other non-offensive adjective?

You wouldn't say it in public - grand. But I bet your kids would if you have normalised that foul word.

Jeez.

It is just relentless.

You wouldn't say it in public, because you know it is wrong to say it. So don't say it in the house either.

Because its a funny sounding word,saying stupid doesn't have the same ring to it.

I am talking out my arse,i would say it in public,i just haven't said it yet!I would call one of my friends a spastic if they were doing something stupid.

The children know loads of swearwords,it doesn't bother me,they don't say them in an aggressive way or to be nasty,because they've never seen it used that way,they know that certain words aren't nice to say in certain situations.

how can it be wrong to say a word in your own house???its my house,i can say whatever i want to!People just want to be offended at everything!

I'm glad I dont know you. I have a daughter with cerebral palsy who would be heartbroken if she heard you using that word. Stupid = like someone with cerebral palsy.
Enjoy upsetting little girls do you?

Anyone who uses spastic is a cunt.

Hths

Ring, you are setting a terrible example for your children.

If you can't see that then I despair and this means my dd's tutor (who has CP) will have to put up with more ill-educated little fuckers in her class calling her a 'spaz'. Just lovely

Actually it's true.

I'm sitting in my house saying 'jeez, x poster is such a fucking twat' but that's just private so no worries.

Yes ring, you can say what you want in your own house. You are still wrong to say it.

Diamond Mask

Thats actually quite upsetting,i have a little girl and if she had something the idea of someone upsetting her by using horrible words actually makes me want to cry.I would kill them.You have really made me think.

Sorry.