I’m of the opinion that no such thing as “a slur” exists - only the intention defines something as a slur or not.
I can call say “oh, you’re so intelligent, friend” and - depending on my meaning, intonation, etc., both “intelligent” might be a slur (implicating “idiot”), and “friend”.
One of my favourite examples is the word “cunt”. In the US it’s one of the most horrific slurs you can throw at someone, maybe only topped by “the n-word*”. In the UK it’s a pretty hefty slur, but nothing to write home about. In Australia it’s just a word you throw around, might be a slur (“fuck off, you shit cunt!”), but might be actually friendly (“you’re a mad cunt, mate!”).
And the word “retard” is fascinating in itself, because it used to be a medical term for mentally challenged people. IIRC it denoted a specific level of low IQ in a person (together with “idiot”, and “moron”).
So, yeah, slurs don’t exist. Intentions matter.
* saying all that I’m a realist and understand who auto-moderation works. I’m not going to risk getting banned for saying the whole thing, so I’m sticking to “n-word”
I’m of the opinion that no such thing as “a slur” exists - only the intention defines something as a slur or not.
I can call say “oh, you’re so intelligent, friend” and - depending on my meaning, intonation, etc., both “intelligent” might be a slur (implicating “idiot”), and “friend”.
One of my favourite examples is the word “cunt”. In the US it’s one of the most horrific slurs you can throw at someone, maybe only topped by “the n-word*”. In the UK it’s a pretty hefty slur, but nothing to write home about. In Australia it’s just a word you throw around, might be a slur (“fuck off, you shit cunt!”), but might be actually friendly (“you’re a mad cunt, mate!”).
And the word “retard” is fascinating in itself, because it used to be a medical term for mentally challenged people. IIRC it denoted a specific level of low IQ in a person (together with “idiot”, and “moron”).
So, yeah, slurs don’t exist. Intentions matter.
* saying all that I’m a realist and understand who auto-moderation works. I’m not going to risk getting banned for saying the whole thing, so I’m sticking to “n-word”