• LemmysMum@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    5
    ·
    edit-2
    6 months ago

    Any word is offensive if you use it in a manner to cause offence.

    A muppet is a kids puppet with a hand in it, very entertaining, but if I call you a muppet I’m saying you’re all mouth and no brains.

    Most insults for stupidity are archaic medical terms describing a lack of normal capacity.

    • Flax@feddit.uk
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      6 months ago

      Yeah, but saying “lunatic” doesn’t carry the same weight as the R slur. I think “autistic” may eventually carry that weight

      • LemmysMum@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        edit-2
        6 months ago

        Because people are less offended about being called crazy than deficient. That’s nothing new.