Board Thread:General Wiki Discussion/@comment-24011918-20131214001227/@comment-24486926-20131216222853

The Bitter Cold wrote: My point is that "retard" has an alternate [colloquial] definition, as does "antisocial." Although the word "retard" is still used to describe a person with mental disabilities, it is no longer formally used. As with the word "antisocial," its alternate definition(s) musn't be equated with something that is potentially offensive. Honestly, the word "retard" is no different than "stupid," or "dumb." Only when used in the context of a mentally handicapped person should it be deemed offensive. We don't live in that kind of ideal world, do we? "Retard" is potentially offensive, and it's a potent word to use. As Noothgrush said, you're applying the negative connotation to a word that, whereas it may not be formal, is still equated to a demographic. But, if we're going to say that we'll allow something to be called retard, why not allow someone as well? If you're going to use the word, use it in its full context, not say that such is an alternate definition. Your logic basically says the same as allowing the slur "nigger" because people use it to mean friend when they say "My nigger."

"I didn't mean it like that" is by no means an excuse to get a free pass on use of the word.