Idiot, imbecile, moron, and mongloid were all technical terms that described different levels of retardation at one time. A mechanic will retard the timing on your car if it's too advanced so it won't damage the pistons by pre-detonating...or dieseling.
I see it all the time. Words earn negative association, so we assign different words...but the negative association never leaves.
"Used" is now "pre-owned" or (good god) "pre-enjoyed." Seriously? Call it what it is.
...the word "special" is already starting to gain negative connotations. It is what it is. Call it by name. Whatever it is...the word that we assign it doesn't soften the blow...or make it acceptable.
I agree. The definitions of words have changed so much over the ages it's flustering. It's just like we're definition swapping to satisfy the minority. People will always get offended at something, if you change things for them, they will always expect the change in the future.
IIN I'm bothered that people are bothered by the term 'retard'?
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Idiot, imbecile, moron, and mongloid were all technical terms that described different levels of retardation at one time. A mechanic will retard the timing on your car if it's too advanced so it won't damage the pistons by pre-detonating...or dieseling.
I see it all the time. Words earn negative association, so we assign different words...but the negative association never leaves.
"Used" is now "pre-owned" or (good god) "pre-enjoyed." Seriously? Call it what it is.
...the word "special" is already starting to gain negative connotations. It is what it is. Call it by name. Whatever it is...the word that we assign it doesn't soften the blow...or make it acceptable.
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Devyn
10 years ago
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Moron comes from the Classical Greek word "moron" (but with equivalent greek letters), meaning stupid. It's been an insult for over 2500 years.
I agree. The definitions of words have changed so much over the ages it's flustering. It's just like we're definition swapping to satisfy the minority. People will always get offended at something, if you change things for them, they will always expect the change in the future.