Is it really that bad to say retarded?

25 Comments

I've noticed lately that some people seem to absolutely lose their shit if you say retard, retart, or retarded, some even going as far as calling it the "R" word. I grew up in the 90's, retard and retarded are a big part of my vernacular and I don't want to give them up. I would never use it to refer to someone with downs, or any obvious handicaps. I call ignorant jerks retards, things and situations that are just dumb I will call retarded.

I sometimes use it in the positive like how people use the word "sick" in the positive. Like, "omg the chicken wings are absolutely retarded, you must try them." The words moron, idiot, imbecile, etc.used to have actual meanings referring to i.q. numbers, but they're perfectly acceptable to use.

Am I ignorant for saying "retard" still? Or is it just pc-ness run amok to cry about it?

Meh, I could take it or leave it. 21
Don't be retarded everyone says retard. 13
It is absolutely offensive and people need to stop using that word. 6
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Comments ( 25 )
  • [Old Memory]
    6 years ago

    In my opinion, it depends heavily on the context. I say "Oh, that's retarded" about stuff to friends, but it can be considered offensive when used to describe an actual disabled person.

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  • Whatintarnation
    6 years ago

    We live in an age where people are looking for things to be offended by. Wannabe SJWs. Nick Swardson has a good joke about this. About what he is supposed to call guys with fanny packs. I think it's fine as long as you're not disparaging anyone while using it.

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  • charli.m
    6 years ago

    I find it hilarious that I am called "too PC" on one hand, then abused for using the word "retarded".

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  • factcheck
    6 years ago

    I love how people can unironically complain how about how people are easily offended, and then those same people absolutely lose their shit when you ask them not to use a word.

    The biggest snowflakes on the planet are the people who call other people snowflakes. Go figure.

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  • RoseIsabella
    6 years ago

    It doesn't offend me.

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  • Talkingaboutyou
    6 years ago

    Some people get upset over it, because they are too PC. It's still okay, as long as you don't use it to make fun of the actual retarded people. If you're referring to someone as mentally retarded seriously, that is different. Some people prefer the term developmentally delayed, though.

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  • lonewolf1253
    6 years ago

    No. You fucking retarded cocksucker.

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  • JellyBeanBandit
    6 years ago

    I don't think it should be used anymore. I wouldn't call it the 'R' word though, that's what I would call too PC.

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  • Fetiza000
    6 years ago

    Its really offensive to call someone autistic, even if they are or arent. Especially since im autistic most normal people dont know the good and bad sides of it. And if you dont think the same you do with retard and autistic well then, youre retarded.

    (btw retarded ass website logged me out while making this comment so i had to edit it).

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  • Fetiza000
    6 years ago

    Its really offensive to call someone autistic, even if they are or arent. Especially since im autistic most normal people dont know the good and bad sides of it. And if you dont think the same you do with retard and autistic well then, youre retarded.

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  • Aethylfritha
    6 years ago

    I grew up where everyone said " thats retarded" or " youre such a retard" just meaning something is lame or stupid. But i know a few genuinely retarded/ mentally slow people and im friends with them. I imagine the hurt look if they heard that so i no longer say it. My advice is try not to use it but if you do be careful who hears you.

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  • Pink-pumpkin
    6 years ago

    No it's not bad.

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  • geek_god_101
    6 years ago

    Retarded has a meaning to it and if used in that manner, it's not offensive. Some people need to get a life and forcing us to speak gibberish that no one understands.

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  • amg1028
    6 years ago

    I mean is it really that hard to be respectful around others? its offensive to many, so just say intellectual disability.

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    • charli.m
      6 years ago

      Because the slang usage is not referring to people with intellectual disabilities?

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      • amg1028
        6 years ago

        But the fact of the matter is, that word was once used to describe a person with intellectual disabilities and it still being used disrespectfully. words are powerful, just like how people still call gay people Faggots, its hurtful and just an ugly word in general. even if you weren't referring in a nasty way or disrespecting someone with it, when someone over hears it, it could be triggering to bad experiences they may have had and you will look very ignorant for using it. just my two cents, its your life, live it they way you see fit but dont be surprised if someone speaks out against you for using that word.

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        • charli.m
          6 years ago

          ...that still doesn't...

          Whatever. Be difficult and completely unaware of your own previous comment.

          I'm well aware of the original meaning. There are many words that have changed their meaning.

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          • amg1028
            6 years ago

            yeah people change the meaning of words for their use but it still means what it means lol. if that makes sense.

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            • charli.m
              6 years ago

              It makes sense but I don't think it's relevant here.

              And the first bit of your sentence was pretty monged up.

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  • Talkingaboutyou
    6 years ago

    People can get pissed off over stupid stuff these days, so don't take it too seriously. You can't even mispronoun someone now. [The stupid people that want to go by they.]

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  • ThrowawayAccount1
    6 years ago

    It’s kind of offensive to say, since “retarded” people can’t just remove their disabilities from them, and they may find it frustrating.
    “Why can’t I just be normal? What is wrong with me?”
    But to me, it’s just a word, and being offended by it gives power to whoever says it.
    Personally, I don’t say it, but I couldn’t care less about the people who do.
    Say it or don’t say it, it’s up to you.

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  • Alichael
    6 years ago

    You can say retarded, sort of , but don't say retard. Saying mentally handicapped is better.

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    • Alichael
      6 years ago

      On second thought, saying retarded even in a totally inoffensive way, such as "she had a baby boy who was retarded" is not politically correct anymore. I already knew that saying retard definitely isn't. Remember in There's something about Mary when Matt Dillon says to Cameron Dias "my passion is my hobby, I work with retards" Dias: "isn't that politically incorrect?". But seriously, saying retard is totally wrong and is very offensive.

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