Slang Terms That Just Confuse You - Page 5

katiuska · 02-08-2010, 02:48 PM

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.

Funka Genocide · 02-08-2010, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katiuska

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.

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

DFM · 02-08-2010, 02:53 PM

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

Someday though, Funka.

Someday.

Funka Genocide · 02-08-2010, 02:55 PM

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."

DFM · 02-08-2010, 02:56 PM

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

katiuska · 02-08-2010, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funka Genocide

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

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

TDK · 02-08-2010, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eldezar

When I used to frequent Northern West Virginia (as in that little slip that splits Ohio and Pennsylvania which nobody really refers to as WV cuz their just like OH and PA) there are people that like to substitute the word ignorant for anything relating to obnoxious, wierd, stupid, ridiculous and whatever else the term might not fit in but use it there anyways.

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".

Hanuman · 02-08-2010, 10:33 PM

Quote:

So apparently she actually knew the real meaning of the word and kept using it incorrectly anyway

That's ironic, isn't it?

Archbio · 02-08-2010, 10:36 PM

Quote:

"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.

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

Premmy · 02-08-2010, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lev

That's ironic, isn't it?

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

02-08-2010, 02:48 PM	#41
katiuska Unlicensed Practitioner Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 801	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. __________________ If I try too hard my brain explodes, so don't expect me to be witty on purpose. Last edited by katiuska; 02-08-2010 at 02:54 PM.

02-08-2010, 02:53 PM	#43
DFM Om Nom Nom Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,850	I don't think we're quite there with fag, yet. Someday though, Funka. Someday. __________________ [14:26] ManoftheRus: YOU GODDAMN SNEAKY DEE

02-08-2010, 02:56 PM	#45
DFM Om Nom Nom Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,850	I'm so calling someone gay next time they help me. __________________ [14:26] ManoftheRus: YOU GODDAMN SNEAKY DEE

02-08-2010, 02:55 PM	#44
Funka Genocide Sent to the cornfield Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 4,566	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."