to think it's really quite offensive to call someone "unhinged" or "deranged"?

[HairyOrk]

I keep seeing it on Mumsnet, if someone's behaviour is a bit odd then they are "unhinged" or if they've gotten something wrong then they're "deranged".
For a site that got its knickers in such a twist about Asda's mental patient halloween costume (which I agreed was wrong) it seems very out of sorts.
AIBU?

Oh stop being daft.
I object to words where their sole purpose is to use a person with mental health issues or learning dificulties as the most offensive thing you can think of to call someone.

Deranged has been used for years as implying that someoneis being over emotional in a manner that is almost out of control so it doesn't bother me. Neither does bonkers for the same reason.
The words I dislike are those shouted at my son but knuckled headed wankers and then used by others as if they are witty - like retard.

Special needs is fine, when used in context. But some wanker using 'special' is being a sneery twat.

The language - the words - shouldn't matter and they wouldn't if the world stopped finding ways to be fucking unpleasant about vulnerable people and using their issues to be offensive or be a smart arse.

Stop shouting about pc gorn mad and concentrate on telling the arseholes who want to laugh at my son and his peers to shut up. Then we could use whatever words we like.

And fwiw, I woukdn't ban any words. But if you use retard that does make you a cunt and I will tell you.

Stop shouting about pc gorn mad and concentrate on telling the arseholes who want to laugh at my son and his peers to shut up. Then we could use whatever words we like. and But if you use retard that does make you a cunt and I will tell you.

My head is going to fall off with the nodding.

unhinged is always used and agree with op it annoys me too. it's not so much the word but that if one person uses it in a thread numerous people copy, it's all pretty dull

another word overused to that extent is projecting and entitled

Engieka you are missing mrs TP's point IMO. The words special needs are not an insult. But some use them as one..which is offensive.

Not so much "PC gorn mad" as "don't use words referring to a disability as an insult".

Calling a someone with mental health issues deranged or unhinged would be offensive. Referring to an annoying mil as acting deranged is fine. That's the law round these parts. I'm sheriff

I think it's other way round. Implying that someone who is just annoying or nasty has actual mental health conditions is what's offensive.

LurkingHusband -brilliant post! Says it all really. It's ALL about the intention and so much less about the word.

YABU. How the hell are you supposed to insult people without using offensive words?

fanjo Fair point. I hadn't thought of it that way.

I think that wanker is offensive to eunuchs...

Thundercunt is offensive to meteorologists.

We agree with Pagwatch.

Within the guidelines though, natch.

Can we have a new guideline.

"If someone uses the word retard posters may swear at them"

Except me using it there.

That's like a royal seal of approval !

Great, that's all sorted then.

What is acceptable then for say 'batty' or nuts. I think we need a list.

Well done but you're not getting my Sheriff badge pagwatch

Well pagwatch said pretty much what LurkingDad said - and most of us agreed with him. As does Olivia. So we are all kind of in agreement. Common sense has prevailed!

Its like the twilight zone on here...common sense....

Viviennemary

What is acceptable then for say 'batty' or nuts. I think we need a list.

A list ...

recently saw a comedian who told the story of how he knew four swear words, aged "Bum", "Shit", "Poo" and "Piss". The form hard-knock then taught him "fuck". So he went home, and tried it out. His Dad took him outside, walloped him, and said

"There are two words I do not want to hear in this house. 'Fuck' and 'cunt'"

Are you going to print off the thread and get it framed Pag? I totally would.

aged seven

I'm going to get it on a mug I think MrsTerryPratchett.