Why am I not allowed to say "retarded" anymore? It is an honest to goodness phrase, not meant to harm anyone. it means "slow" I'll take criticism, heat... whatever. But WHY?????? it's a word. please don't block me or throw me out for asking. it's an innocent question. not trying to make trouble, I have enough already. (great song by the way, (Cage The Elephant) parenthesis inside parenthesis... Trouble... "trouble to my left, trouble to my right, I've been facing trouble all my life"


Rabbit

It rather depends on who you said it to and the context of which it was said

I know, but people are ssssooooo sensitive. I am a literal speaker. I mean what I say, unless I don't.

When used as a slur, or in such a way
as to demean another member of the site,
the word becomes inappropriate for use.

As in real life, inappropriate comments gets you into trouble. It’s no different here.

I am a liberal, in the classical sense. But I know I tread through a field of delicate daisies. I will try my best not to offend or knock the heads off anyone here. I enjoy your company. I hope you tolerate mine. I'll be around for a while.

There are some awesome wits here. Read the forum rules, which are at the top of every thread, then do your best to abide by them.

You have my deepest sympathies.




But, rules is rules.

I have experienced this at a different forum dealing with auto mechanics.
When troubleshooting some performance issues on older engines ignition timing advance settings can give you different issues.
To correct the issue the fix is to retard the setting so there is not as much timing advance. Retarding it too much gives it a condition known as retarded timing.
I was amazed at how many people commented they were offended at my remark.

When discussing behavioral issues, retarded indicates below the normal rate.
Retarded growth indicates a reduction in the growth rate or common level of an organism.

Its not only the context of how and where you use the word but the audience understanding of the contextual meaning as well.

Another word is ignorant.
Ignorant is a lack of understanding but it can be used in a way that it offends.
However, no matter how others take it, what matters is how you intend it.

I get it, I too have to use it in my profession. When I need lacquer to dry slower I add retarder to it, so the lacquer is "retarded". Some people have forgotten it is a valuable adjective to convey something important. I just wish more people would not get offended so easily. I have called people retarded in the past, I try not to say it in front of strangers, I do not get offended by peoples words easily, but I get it. It's just a shame. I try to be nice to everyone even if I don't like them. It was just a random thought, thanks for taking it seriously.

Rabbit.

Oh, and one other thing Rockgnome… I am NOT a liberal. I mean it in the old sense of the word a libertine, a libertarian, a minarchist yes. But never mistake me for a liberal. I just don't care what people do in their lives as long as it does not affect me. my politics are complicated.

Relax, Rabbit.

I was just bustin' chops.

I am very relaxed. I just was saying.

Dude, cut back on the espresso and remember language can hurt as well as communicate. It's as easy as that.

There are a bunch of words that are just words, picking the
right ones makes you an adult.