use of the word 'moron'

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

could it be banned? do others find it offensive? I have seen it on 3 threads today already, should I report or just ignore? it has come up before and yet still I feel we have learnt nothing when users still put in in their posts.

I don't find moron or cretin any more offensive than idiot or imbecile.
They're all useful words. as disablist insults yes, that says a lit about you Palomb

lot

So now people shouldn't be able to use idiot either?

It's ok, I think it's only offensive on mumsnet.

to use Erols wisdom again Can you really not express yourself some other way? Palomb, use what you want, as I said all disablist insults, your choice.
It's ok, I think it's only offensive on mumsnet. I think you will find that most of us do actually exist outside MN and my views remain the same on or offline.

WellErrr

No, it's on most lists of offensive words. Not just mnet.

Point some to me, gilly. First 4 pages of a google search came up blank.

We agree that Moron and many other words that have been given as examples are offensive to some and not to others.

We tend not to blanket ban words or add in "swear" filters as we think folks should be able to say what they want (Unless it breaks the guidelines ) and using any insult as a personal attack would be removed.

We do have words that we find are reported more, particularly words that are used as racist, homophobic or disablist slurs and we do remove them when used as personal attacks or if they are used specifically to cause hurt and upset in the context of the thread (be it about race, disabilities or sexual orientation).

We'd like folks to be aware that the language that you use can be offensive to some and words like moron shouldn't be thrown around. It's about thought and respect for others.

You are also correct that words evolve and we do stay on top of that as they do. We have and do mail those who use words in ignorance when they could be considered racist, homophobic or disablist and we try and explain why, we'd hope that you would too if you came across things that you didn't like to hear.

We hope that helps to explain our thinking.

What I find upsetting is that terms about /around disability are or have been used as insults. No doubt I'm being precious or Professionally Offended by saying this; oh well

nb am aware not expressing this clearly - heat-addled I'm afraid

Uae a different word or phrase. You utter trilby is GENIUS

Donkey I agree
Point some to me, gilly. First 4 pages of a google search came up blank. well bully for you, you can rest happy now then shame on you for reducing a perfectly vaild discussion and a persons personal experience to point scoring.

not sure if anyone has highlighted the ageist words that are used here on mn and in real life
In some instances, ageist language is active, intentional and aggressive, as with Giles Coren’s recent post-referendum rant in The Times entitled “Wrinklies have well and truly stitched us up”. Other words and phrases used to describe older people, such as ‘elderly’, ‘frail’, ‘over the hill’, ‘codger’, ‘decrepit’, are equally damaging in the way they disparage older adults.

In other guises, ageist language is more subtle. Condescending phrases like ‘old granny’, ‘spritely’, ‘sweet’ or ‘good for their age’ abound in the media and everyday conversation. Even if not intended maliciously, they reaffirm the stereotype that all older people are vulnerable; that health and vitality in older adults are anomalies, and that in general older people are a burden.
just as nasty as other 'ism words although most older people tend to laugh them off as they are not that thin-skinned and certainly feel mildly annoyed rather than physically sick or panicking.

I'm not point scoring. It was a genuine question. I wanted to see which organisations list it as an offensive word.

Shame on you for leaping to conclusions.

the language that you use can be offensive to some and words like moron shouldn't be thrown around. It's about thought and respect for others. this sums it up for me.

its funny that even mn hq put disablist last.

apols i read some as score.

Other words and phrases used to describe older people, such as ‘elderly’

Old people are no longer 'elderly'?

Since when is elderly not ok!??

Is utter trilby really genius? Because that is slagging someone (me) off who has a different view to you on one word and is being used in a derogatory way. So actually all you preachy non bullying people on your pedestals have some very questionable arguments on this and yes I am taking offence, as you obviously mean it to be offensive, unlike some peoples light hearted use of the word moron. You're either ok with being derogatory or not. Take your pick..(for obvious reasons won't include the word morons here).

samcro are you event serious? You're picking at word order?!

Being*

And this ^ is why I don't usually bother trying any more

Apostrophes

I posted 2 upthread. It is an offensive word, however, some people tend not to believe it, even when linked. Not specifically meaning you btw, you may not have seen the links.

And later in the same para 'disabilities' was 2nd out of the 3 - they couldn't do all the permutations you know !

How odd??? Moron is bad.... Cunt and twat are totally acceptable though??? I see them used more than Moron.
My DS has a diagnosis of mental retardation and I used to get upset by retard ... Not arsed now ... Just words!
I prefer to use 'Meff' or 'Meff Head'

This also may help those who don't understand.
Perhaps it would be good to point your children towards this one.

anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/media/14667/Tackling-disablist-language-based-bullying-in-school-FINAL.pdf