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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask if the term "Swivel eyed loon" is OK to use?

100 replies

PampassGrass56 · 11/11/2023 23:17

Somone used this term today. I was wondering if it is socially unacceptable /non PC to use this terminology?

OP posts:
LadyWithLapdog · 13/11/2023 22:34

Yes, Cameron referred to swivel eyed loons in his own party! Welcome to diplomacy, Mr Cameron. What an asset you are!

BIossomtoes · 13/11/2023 22:38

LadyWithLapdog · 13/11/2023 22:34

Yes, Cameron referred to swivel eyed loons in his own party! Welcome to diplomacy, Mr Cameron. What an asset you are!

He wasn’t wrong though.

LadyWithLapdog · 13/11/2023 22:41

True. But I’m thinking he hasn’t been a smooth operator in his own party, do we unleash him as Foreign Sex?

LadyWithLapdog · 13/11/2023 22:42

^ Sec
i wasn’t making a joke about DC and sex.

creativegoblin · 13/11/2023 22:45

Who is it offensive to ? Swivel eyed loons ?

Original poster
PampassGrass56 · 13/11/2023 22:49

This thread has taken an unexpected turn!

OP posts:
LakeTiticaca · 13/11/2023 22:57

Are you asking if you should be offended? Are you offended?

Marmalady75 · 13/11/2023 23:04

Scottishskifun · 12/11/2023 01:03

I've never heard it before but Loon up here means boy in a Scottish dialect called doric. So to me the phrase would mean a boy quickly looking at something which probably isn't the meaning!

Fit like loon?
Isn’t a’bdy just a loon or a quine?

op - calling anyone a swivel eyed loon is definitely an insult.

JaninaDuszejko · 13/11/2023 23:07

That's interesting that DC used it for the Tory Right. I guess it balances the 'loony left' that people talked about in the 80s.

Original poster
PampassGrass56 · 13/11/2023 23:09

LakeTiticaca · 13/11/2023 22:57

Are you asking if you should be offended? Are you offended?

Was just wondering if the term swivel eyed loon was offensive in terms of people with disabilities or mental health issues. I think I will steer clear of using the expression. I will leave it for David Cameron 🤣

OP posts:
CrotchetyQuaver · 13/11/2023 23:10

I have a vague recollection that Cameron used the term when he was PM describing the pro brexit MPs but I might be completely wrong?

MercanDede · 13/11/2023 23:53

LuciaPillson · 12/11/2023 06:33

I can't help feeling there is a sinister Canadian influence on this thread. A strong pro-loon contingent... random moose just posting what they feel like. Who the hell is giving all these moose access to the internet anyhow? I'm keeping my eyes peeled for real maple syrup and tuques.
🟥 🍁 🟥

Show quote history

Moose can be quite stealthy. We are also partial to pure Grade A Canadian maple syrup not the weak stuff from south of the border in the US. I have also attended many a Potato Blossom festival and seen many a Potato queen crowned.

SwordToFlamethrower · 14/11/2023 00:03

Context and intention is everything

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 14/11/2023 00:05

PampassGrass56 · 11/11/2023 23:44

I had no idea the phrase referred to a bird called a Loon! I was actually concerned that the term was offensive to people with eye problems. Think I might have got the wrong end of the stick!

It's not,loon is short for lunatic so not a term that should be used ,we know better these days,or we should do!

Georgeandzippyzoo · 14/11/2023 00:11

SD1978 · 11/11/2023 23:42

If someone uses the term loon, I actually more think lunatic, crazy, and probably don't think it's acceptable given that it (as far as I'm aware) refers to someone with mental health concerns- did not know it originated from a bird!

That's where my thoughts immediately went as well. Personally I'd think it was offensive but I didn't know reference to the bird!

Fionaville · 14/11/2023 00:16

All I know is that if I'm told we shouldn't say it, then I'm duty bound to say it.
If that's not a suitable insult, then quite frankly no insults are suitable. Insults are supposed to be shocking and degrading. Calling somebody a buffoon or a bounder, doesn't hold much weight these days.

CallieQ · 14/11/2023 00:19

Only if addressing Nigel Farage

GuessItsANameChange · 14/11/2023 00:41

Fionaville · 14/11/2023 00:16

All I know is that if I'm told we shouldn't say it, then I'm duty bound to say it.
If that's not a suitable insult, then quite frankly no insults are suitable. Insults are supposed to be shocking and degrading. Calling somebody a buffoon or a bounder, doesn't hold much weight these days.

So you wouldn’t hesitate to call someone the ‘r’ word, for example?

NewtonPulsifer · 14/11/2023 00:47

As neurological events can cause eyes to turn in different directions, including brain injury for squints, seizures etc and the word “loon” appears to be linked to lunatic, it is ableist.

starlightcan · 14/11/2023 00:52

WoollyBat · 12/11/2023 00:02

I love loons! (the birds) - but I've never thought of this phrase as being about them. I think it means lunatic and swivel-eyed as in kind of staring around eccentrically (cf "stark staring mad").

It's not PC as it's using mental illness and out-of-control eyes as an insult and those things aren't people's fault or under their control.

But I do feel a bit like it's a shame as it's very evocative. It's interesting how even though we now understand more about mental illness, and there is a stigma attached to using words like lunatic, nutter and so on, people still do use words meaning the same thing - insane, crazy, have you lost your mind, it would be madness to do that etc. Because it's almost impossible to remove the need for that sentiment from everyday life and language.

ah a nice thoughtful post!

Fionaville · 14/11/2023 00:52

GuessItsANameChange · 14/11/2023 00:41

So you wouldn’t hesitate to call someone the ‘r’ word, for example?

Show quote history

Yes, I would hesitate. I don't find that word to be a suitable insult, because it's not shocking these days. It was overused to the point where some people were calling each other it in jest. Americans use it casually.
For that reason, it's an offensive word, but not particularly insulting to somebody who doesn't have learning disabilities.

starlightcan · 14/11/2023 00:54

NewtonPulsifer · 14/11/2023 00:47

As neurological events can cause eyes to turn in different directions, including brain injury for squints, seizures etc and the word “loon” appears to be linked to lunatic, it is ableist.

I’d have thought the swivel-eyed bit refers to eyes darting round suspiciously

GuessItsANameChange · 14/11/2023 01:22

Fionaville · 14/11/2023 00:52

Yes, I would hesitate. I don't find that word to be a suitable insult, because it's not shocking these days. It was overused to the point where some people were calling each other it in jest. Americans use it casually.
For that reason, it's an offensive word, but not particularly insulting to somebody who doesn't have learning disabilities.

Show quote history

But ‘swivel-eyed loon’ seems to be viewed as less offensive and is quite widely used. I don’t understand why you’re ‘duty bound’ to use the milder one, in order to cause offence, but wouldn’t use the more offensive one because it isn’t offensive enough?

newnamethanks · 14/11/2023 07:28

Relax, everyone, Mr Sunak has appointed a Minister of Common Sense. I believe her job is to seek out Wokery and stamp on it. So we're all free to insult anyone we see fit. I await hearing who has got the coveted Minister for Magic portfolio who would probably be more effective.