Is it normal that i get upset when i hear someone use the word "retarded"?

Retarded is considered a slur by many people but despite most people knowing this it has unfortunately become entrenched in our vocabulary. The other day I was called retarded myself for not liking basil on pasta.

Bigbud makes the point that if we stamp out use of “retarded” another word will just come along to replace it, and it’s fair to say that we should focus on the root of the problem- the normalisation of bullying of disabled people. However as the word “retarded” is currently used as weapon in the bullies’ arsenal it makes sense to try to eliminate casual use of the word.

I'm sorry, but the use of the word retarded doesn't bother me in the least. I'm actually a fan of when people from Boston say, "that's wicked retarded".

In the literal sense "retarded" doesn't actually mean stupid. It means slowed down. So used in that context it shouldn't offend anyone. The phrase "when I speak to my foreign friends who are learning English, I make sure I use retarded speech" is an example of such inoffensive use.

That being said, it has indeed been adopted into bullies' vocabulary to become a disparaging word towards people with low mental capacity, which is understandable, but unfortunate.

Unfortunately the commentors saying that the word will simply be replaced by another insult, do have a strong point.

The solution is not to try and ban the word, but to simply teach people to not use disability as an insult or see it as something to insult. Forbidding people from using a slur without telling them why is... kind of pointless.

However, there are always going to be people who insult others especially on the internet. Slurs and insults in general just shouldn't be used. We can't really ban people from calling others ugly.

I don't know. It's a difficult word. I also find it uncomfortable to see/hear. It's not the same as ugly, an opinion word, because at its root it referred to a condition. That is, someone can factually be retarded. On the other hand, both are objectively negative things to be, that can't really be changed in many cases.

But obviously, it's not at all socially acceptable to tell someone they're ugly... so... maybe it would be better if retarded was viewed similarly?

anyway I spent too long thinking about this topic thanks but i gotta go now

I still use it. Not because im trying to he malicious but because I grew up saying it and nobody I talk to cares.

The word retarded originally came on the scene as a sensitive alternative to words such as idiot, moron and imbecile.

You're not going to like this, but whatever word replaces it will always be used as an insult because fundamentally, to be an idiot, moron, imbecile, or a retard is a negative thing. No amount of changing the word has fixed this issue, and none ever will because the the subject matter it defines is negative.

"It's like saying disability is bad", no shit. Being mentally disabled enough to the point of fitting the definition of retarded is a bad thing. Yes it would be horrible to point the finger at genuinely retarded people and call them retarded, that's where sensitivity comes into using the word, but other than that it's used freely and widely because it's such an obviously negative thing to be.

When I use the word retarded I mean something is stupid, not a mentally handicapped person.

Same when I say something is gay, it means something is lame, not homosexual.

I’ve just used the same phrases since I was a teen, not changing them for the sake of political correctness. It’s all context.

All slurs are offensive and yes it's normal to feel that way but people are most likely going to keep saying it.

I completely agree. I've been trying not to say the word 'Retard' anymore, it's difficult though, it's become such a habit. And I do apologise for ever using it before. But there's really no reason why the words 'Retard', 'Nigger' and 'Faggot' shouldn't all be treated as equally offensive and prohibited, at least in principle. They're all slurs, they're all used to put down people for who they are, and to insult others by comparing them to these people.

Why are educated white chicks so PC? Forget politics/society and go shopping, watch the Kardashians or some shit.

I have legit disabilities and use the word retarded and gay. Same as Tommythecaty...grew up learning those words meant you thought something was stupid or dumb. A conversation between friends. Never bullying anyone that had a disability or someone that was homosexual. Ppl are weak.

Stop being fucking retarded.

It’s a bit retarded to be offended by it

Neither is truly offensive; people just pretend they are.

I think there’s better words to use. I don’t use it often. However it is a real word with a real definition which just means “lacking”. It’s been a clinical term for years.