Offensive Words Beings Used Today

[DeadGein]

It's just that using these words have become so prevalent that people just don't know how to control themselves anymore.

 

Educate the youth, start with the youth about using these words and why they shouldn't be used and maybe they'll learn not to use them as adults. The youth has so much power to change the world, and we just don't take that into account. That's why music, fashion, and the way words are used because of them.

 

My little opinion aside, if we catch our own children saying these words, they might change and change their peers. Like a ripple effect.

 

 

In a perfect world, that would be the case. But I don't think there will ever be a day where people don't use these words. Because all parents aren't good, and there are an equal amount of parents who A. Don't care, B. Use these words themselves. So even if your a great parent, chances are your kid is exposed to this either in the media, at school, or in the neighborhood. This isn't just bad neighborhoods. Subburbs, and upper class kids are cussing just as bad as kids in the ghetto.

 

What really disturbs me is "Cyber Bullying". When I first heard the term, I laughed. it was funny to me. Sure, I had been in heated arguments as a teenager all the time on the internet. I am very opinionated both online, and in real life, so it happens. A lot of the time, a perfectly good argument like the one we are having here would turn ugly, and someone would end up trying to cuss me, belittle me, and turn it from an argument, into a bullying match. However when I was a teenager, and this was just the 90's......We would just laugh it off, talk a little trash back, and leave the chatroom. Nowadays, I'm reading articles where kids get so depressed over what some strangers said in a chat room, that they actually kill themselves over it. This scares the hell out of me to be honest. I can understand if your family and friends tell you your worthless all the time, that eventually it's going to effect you. But a stranger in a chat room on the internet?.....I'll never understand how someone could let someone they don't even know effect them in such a way.

[fossik]

WIth the N word. I think it's acceptable to say as long as you're not saying it offensively. It's all in context. Also, a lot of rappers use the N word in their songs when they talk about friends, for example they might say "My n----r"in a reference to their close friend or something. Rappers such as 2Pac, Biggie Smalls & Wu Tang Clan all use the N word in their songs and it is acceptable.

 

Also, to throw another word out there. It starts with c and rhymes with blunt and the general meaning is a woman's ~bodily parts~.

I'm not sure if using this word is common in other countries, and it might just be here in New Zealand. But the word has changed from being considered one of the worst cuss words (my school allows all cuss words apart from this word and the F word) into a friendly greeting that you might call a friend. Such as "Sup c--t" which I say quite often to my friends, or calling them "Good c--ts" or "Funny c--ts" which has a positive meaning in this context.

 

Meanings of words do change over time. Such as the word f----t which used to mean a pile of sticks. Or even non cuss words such as apocalypse which used to mean "coming to light" or "secret revealed" instead of "end of the world"

[DeadGein]

WIth the N word. I think it's acceptable to say as long as you're not saying it offensively. It's all in context. Also, a lot of rappers use the N word in their songs when they talk about friends, for example they might say "My n----r"in a reference to their close friend or something. Rappers such as 2Pac, Biggie Smalls & Wu Tang Clan all use the N word in their songs and it is acceptable.

 

Also, to throw another word out there. It starts with c and rhymes with blunt and the general meaning is a woman's ~bodily parts~.

I'm not sure if using this word is common in other countries, and it might just be here in New Zealand. But the word has changed from being considered one of the worst cuss words (my school allows all cuss words apart from this word and the F word) into a friendly greeting that you might call a friend. Such as "Sup c--t" which I say quite often to my friends, or calling them "Good c--ts" or "Funny c--ts" which has a positive meaning in this context.

 

Meanings of words do change over time. Such as the word f----t which used to mean a pile of sticks. Or even non cuss words such as apocalypse which used to mean "coming to light" or "secret revealed" instead of "end of the world"

 

Yes it has changed and has become a greeting. But under the same logic, using "That's gay" to describe the new hannah montana movie should be acceptable due to the fact we aren't using it as an offensive term towards the L&G Community, but instead an offensive term towards Miley Cirus's lack of talent. lol.

 

This has been my point all along. With the way words are changing from their true meaning, and adapting new ones, we'll never be able to "curb" these words. So we all are just going to have to learn to deal with them being out there together.

[Emily]

I too think the problem lies, not in the words themselves, but in the context and tone. If I hear something and say "that's so gay," it is meant as "that's so lame," "that's so bad," that sounds like crap. Any of these convey the idea that you're not a fan of what you're hearing. The same with the "N" word. If you say "Hey, N*****, what's up?" to a friend, it is meant in a totally non-offensive way and to be friendly. One of my English Theory classes last term studied how words evolve to gain or lose meaning. In regards to words that were used to be degrading/insulting that are now used as greetings, terms of endearment, etc, it shouldn't matter what those words USED to mean because that's not what those words mean in context to the present time. With many words, there are different contexts, like gay, and it depends on how it is used that makes it insulting or "politically correct."

 

Also, on the subject of Political Correctness (or PC as we say), things are getting way too sensitive, usually to the point where people PC is meant to protect also find it ridiculous. For example, where I live, schooling systems are not allow to refer to "bullet points"

• these
  
• things
  

 

Elementary schools (and some high schools) refer to them as "nuggets" because calling them "bullets" supposedly instils ideas of violence. Apparently it is no longer appropriate to call people "black" in terms of their appearance. We are supposed to say "African American." Many of my "African American" friends find this hilarious because none of them, many for quite a few generations back, were born in Africa, nor have they ever set foot in Africa.

 

The same could be said of Native Americans (or Native Canadians if you're from north of the 49th Parallel). It is a term used to describe Indigenous tribes of the Americas. However, as my roommate pointed out, he considers himself a "Native Canadian" because he was born here, his parents were born year, and for many many generations, his family was all born in Canada. He is a native of this country. If you really wanted to be correct, archaeology has shown that there weren't humans native to this area, that they migrated here from the ancient Eurasian continents.

 

To some up my rant, ANY word, term or classification can be seen as negative depending on how it's used. Within the social construct, we need to take words more at face value, that is, context, and not their literal dictionary meaning.

[AKALeenaLean]

WIth the N word. I think it's acceptable to say as long as you're not saying it offensively. It's all in context. Also, a lot of rappers use the N word in their songs when they talk about friends, for example they might say "My n----r"in a reference to their close friend or something. Rappers such as 2Pac, Biggie Smalls & Wu Tang Clan all use the N word in their songs and it is acceptable.

 

Also, to throw another word out there. It starts with c and rhymes with blunt and the general meaning is a woman's ~bodily parts~.

I'm not sure if using this word is common in other countries, and it might just be here in New Zealand. But the word has changed from being considered one of the worst cuss words (my school allows all cuss words apart from this word and the F word) into a friendly greeting that you might call a friend. Such as "Sup c--t" which I say quite often to my friends, or calling them "Good c--ts" or "Funny c--ts" which has a positive meaning in this context.

 

Meanings of words do change over time. Such as the word f----t which used to mean a pile of sticks. Or even non cuss words such as apocalypse which used to mean "coming to light" or "secret revealed" instead of "end of the world"

 

 

Well I never heard of c--t being used that way. Then again, New Zealand and America are two different cultures, such as how crack means fun in Ireland and cocaine in America. Thanks for the new word though, has it become socially acceptable in New Zealand to use c--t?

[Naamah D.]

Racist terms are really the only ones that bother me. Otherwise if a guy were to call me the "C" word I wouldn't really care. Now the "that's so gay" thing is different. It's really hard to say if it's offensive or not. I've said words like "that's so gay" and "the F word to describe gay people". But I also had a friend who was gay.

 

Question: Would ginger be an offensive word?

[AKALeenaLean]

That's a good question, of the redheads I talked to, they call themselves ginger, but I also heard other use ginger as a demeaning word. Any other thoughts on this? I think it's more of a connotation thing like how gay is being used in today's society.

[Gensei]

ehhh, as a black person I can tell you that I've had non-AA friends use the term and get carried away... I grew up in a household with many people from the Jim Crow era, and I can say that what you see on TV and even hear from your friends doesn't mean there is some consensus on the word... Language is how we communicate - the historical meaning for racial words doesn't just disappear because people use it in the media or with their friends and family... It definitely comes down to context, but I hate when people just say "you're being overly sensitive"..

 

If you misuse a word that was historically used along with the murder and subjugation of a people, then you should expect some blowback if you do hit a sensitive nerve.

 

It's like making a holocaust joke at a bad time, then expecting your jewish friend to just be ok with it. People take things differently, and I think that needs to be respected instead of dismissing people as "hypersensitive", as Laura Schlessinger phrased it.

[Welcome Back Apathy]

Yes, using Jew or calling others a Jew for no apparent reason is the same thing. Why is it socially acceptable now?

 

Though I don't hear Jew being used as often, I did hear it more often a few years back.

 

There's this one webcomic I like to read. In one of them, a salesperson was trying to sell things to people. So he went up to a customer and called him a Jew The customer said he found that offensive, and the salesperson went off on him. "Are you saying there's something wrong with being Jewish?" Eventually, the customer bought something so he would stop being called a racist.

 

Gotta love it.

 

In response to the n-bomb: I would never use the N-word for one simple reason. I'm white. I don't think the N-word should be used at all, and if I hear another white person say it, I'm mostly going to assume it's racist. However, it's not my business to be offended by it if a black guy uses the word. Interestingly, some people say that using "black" is racist--I hope none of you have a problem with my using it, because every black person I know hates being called African-American. Plus, I'm sure not everyone here is American, and if there are black people here from other countries, it would be stupid to call them African-Americans.

 

In regards to gay: I never use "gay" to describe something stupid. I DO use it to describe somewhat feminine stuff occasionally, but only using the utmost respect. I do a lot of musical theater, and while it's a stereotype, that doesn't mean it's not true in general. So when I watch My Little Pony, I will call it the gayest show ever--and absolutely love it. And my husband watches it with me. I guess, though, the "happy" part comes into play there.

 

In regards to f----t: I use the shortened version while I'm driving. Let's put it that way. To me, the word means "a complete *CENSORED* who can't drive worth *CENSORED* and thinks he owns the road and has the right to try to kill people while driving." Have I called any gay people that word? Maybe, if they were jerk drivers.

[DeadGein]

ehhh, as a black person I can tell you that I've had non-AA friends use the term and get carried away... I grew up in a household with many people from the Jim Crow era, and I can say that what you see on TV and even hear from your friends doesn't mean there is some consensus on the word... Language is how we communicate - the historical meaning for racial words doesn't just disappear because people use it in the media or with their friends and family... It definitely comes down to context, but I hate when people just say "you're being overly sensitive"..

 

If you misuse a word that was historically used along with the murder and subjugation of a people, then you should expect some blowback if you do hit a sensitive nerve.

 

It's like making a holocaust joke at a bad time, then expecting your jewish friend to just be ok with it. People take things differently, and I think that needs to be respected instead of dismissing people as "hypersensitive", as Laura Schlessinger phrased it.

 

When I am saying overly sensitive, I DO NOT mean that you shouldn't take offense if someone is dropping a racial slur at you. When I say overly sensitive, I mean if someone drops a racial or sexual slur at you, and you go home and blow your head off, or burst into tears infront of them. All that does is let the bad guy win. Expressing anger, and distaste is healthy. Hell, punch the person in the mouth lol. All healthy expressions in my book. But being overly sensitive would be to go home, and hang yourself.

 

 

As for the ginger thing, its an offensive term like any other. It just depends though. I taunt my ginger friend all the time with it, "You have no soul", etc. But its just for fun, and we grew up together since lil kids. So he knows that its in jest. He also makes fun of me for things that would get most people beat up for saying lol.

 

In general, with all these terms, it just depends on who's saying them, and the context they are said in. I can tease my ginger friend lol, and in the same time I have a gay friend who I will constantly mess with, who messes with me right back. I also am working on my first hip hop CD. I've been told by all of the black hip hop artists I work with, that no one will care if I drop "N" in the same way they do. However, I'm not very comfortable with it, so I choose not to do so. Yet all the time I'll hear a white and black guy talking, and they'll both use it and no one is hurt. So context, who you are talking to, and other factors all play into it.

[Naamah D.]

I personally don't find the word retard offensive at all. I'm Autistic and call myself a retard and say stuff is retarded all the time. Sometimes I even tell myself "Nahemah your such a sped."

[wishinguponastar__x]

I think it's alright to use "gay" (or any other insult) to a friend as long as you know him/her relatively well and that he or she won't take offence for it. I see it as a way of expressing a sense of closeness between two people, though it might seem absurd to some people out there. I personally don't know where I picked up "gay" from but these days it's used so commonly that it's become a habit and really, sometimes I just can't think of a better word to use :S - stupid as an alternative can be a little harsh (maybe because of the p sound?).

[DeadGein]

Most men are barbaric in customs anyway. Me and my friend, whenever we call eachother it's "What's up [removed]" or something to that nature. So your right, your relationship with the person your using these offensive words on plays a big part to determine if they are offensive, or just a way for you to bond with your friend.

 

 

This post has been edited by a member of staff (Spritzie) because of a violation of the forum rules.

Please do not use curse words in your posts. Replacing letters with asterisks is not allowed either. These have been removed.

Please check your user inbox to see if you have been contacted regarding this incident, then review our rules.

[AKALeenaLean]

Though I still find it hard to hear that people use it but in context, it isn't really hurting anyone. I personally wouldn't use it, but it is all the the way it's being said, that much is true.

[I Love TDN]

Gay isn't totally necessarily offensive. Gay marriage can also mean same gender marriage. People sometimes use the word gay as insults because they're immature and have nothing else offensive to say.

 

As for the N word, it is true that people say the N word as friendly use. I've seen African Americans use the N word for friendly use.

 

I've seen other people using words like Bitch. Bitch means a female dog and I've seen other people using the word as an insult. (I'm truly sorry if I'm not allowed to say that word since in school at Biology, we are allowed to say it so I'm not sure if it's allowed here).

 

I really think that people just like to insult and be hurtful to others.

[rachiee]

Okay. Here are my thoughts on some of these "offensive words."

 

Gay: Should not be synonymous with "stupid," "weird," etc. It should only be used in the context of "happy" (which was what it used to mean up until recently...) or "likes people of the same gender." I don't even know how "gay" came to be synonymous with "stupid" and "weird."

The N-word: It's one of the only words I refuse to use. And I'm one of those people, who, believe it or not, has said nearly every swear word under the sun. I don't like how it's thrown around freely (by people of any race) to mean "friend" or something like that. Plus, I'm white so I don't have a valid excuse to use that word. :P

"Female dog" (because I can't say the other, more common form here): I use this word quite liberally, not in the context of...well, an actual female dog if you know what I mean. I call people that word all the time (never to their faces) even though I shouldn't, and frankly, I wouldn't be all that offended if someone were to call me that. I do come off as that sometimes and as I said, I've called people that word before.

Retard: I never liked this word. I'm not offended by this word, but it's lost its real meaning and has come to mean the same thing as "stupid," "silly," etc. It's used a bit too liberally.

Ginger: This is one of the only words I'm offended by, even if I do fit the definition of a ginger to a T. I don't like that word and I'm not okay with being called it.

[I Love TDN]

Okay. Here are my thoughts on some of these "offensive words."

 

Gay: Should not be synonymous with "stupid," "weird," etc. It should only be used in the context of "happy" (which was what it used to mean up until recently...) or "likes people of the same gender." I don't even know how "gay" came to be synonymous with "stupid" and "weird."

The N-word: It's one of the only words I refuse to use. And I'm one of those people, who, believe it or not, has said nearly every swear word under the sun. I don't like how it's thrown around freely (by people of any race) to mean "friend" or something like that. Plus, I'm white so I don't have a valid excuse to use that word. :P

"Female dog" (because I can't say the other, more common form here): I use this word quite liberally, not in the context of...well, an actual female dog if you know what I mean. I call people that word all the time (never to their faces) even though I shouldn't, and frankly, I wouldn't be all that offended if someone were to call me that. I do come off as that sometimes and as I said, I've called people that word before.

Retard: I never liked this word. I'm not offended by this word, but it's lost its real meaning and has come to mean the same thing as "stupid," "silly," etc. It's used a bit too liberally.

Ginger: This is one of the only words I'm offended by, even if I do fit the definition of a ginger to a T. I don't like that word and I'm not okay with being called it.

 

What do you mean by Ginger? I've never heard of that word being offensive nor know what it is. o.o

[GabbyGirl]

What do you mean by Ginger? I've never heard of that word being offensive nor know what it is. o.o

 

There is a South Park Episode in which "gingers", or those who have red hair, are portrayed as not having a soul. That's the only thing I can think of that makes "ginger" offensive. Although it stems mostly from a satirical television show, and should be taken with a grain of salt.

[Naamah D.]

Words that offened/don't offend me:

 

The N word: Racism bothers me. There's no racist term that doesn't offend me

Gay: I use this one but very rarley. I had a gay friend who wasn't offended neither should I

Ginger: Doesn't bother me

Retard: Eh, I have disability but I choose for it not to bother me.

Jew: Like I said, racism is not a good thing. Regardless of the context your using it in.

[Russ]

For example, when I hear a black comedian on TV saying "Cracker" or "Honky" or any other derogatory term for a white man, I do not take offense to it.

Because white people are totally discriminated against all the time to the extent that gays and blacks are.