Well, I think "retard" is going the way of "moron," which no one remembers used to have a precise definition (an adult with the IQ of a 8-12 year old). I'm willing to say that it's far enough removed from its old usage that it no longer means anything with regard to people with developmental disabilities, but I'll admit I'm biased, because "retarded" is a fun word to say.

"Gay" may or may not meet that fate. I dislike it being used right now as a general insult, but insomuch as language is always changing, it's probably no harm done; there'll be another neutral word for "attracted to people of the same sex" because the sentiment will still be there to express.

You do realize you can apply the same line of reasoning to the term fag, right?

I don't think we're quite there with fag, yet.

Someday though, Funka.



Someday.

I actually started an initiative on one of the naval vessels I was stationed on to turn gay into an inherently positive adjective.

"Man this pizza is so gay!"

"Man thanks for helping me out, that was totally gay."

I'm so calling someone gay next time they help me.

Yeah, I got ninja'd while I was making that edit.

This pretty much happens all over the south. Its commonly used by both 'gangstas' AND 'rednecks' which seems like kind of a weird crossover, but yeah, if you insult someone it is pretty common to be told 'don't be ignorant*'.

Once in this situation I commented upon the actual meaning of ignorant and I was told "Oh don't start with that shit"...So apparently she actually knew the real meaning of the word and kept using it incorrectly anyway...>_<

*Actual pronunciation is usually something like "ig-nant" not "ig-nore-ant".

That's ironic, isn't it?

No, I think it remains significant that a group should shift from "neutral word" to "neutral word" because they get used up as slurs.

actually it's more of "Dude, stop bothering me about how I talk, seriously"