• Avicenna@programming.dev
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    1 day ago

    Yea this is a slippery slope though, you can play this game with every word and easily turn it into a discussion in bad faith. English, not being my mother tongue, when I think of the word “retarded”, I automatically think of the word as related to describing foolish and stupid actions. But I do also know, on a higher level, that it actually is a medical term. So I am not against this correction (I would for instance be more careful at not be using the anologous word in my language in such a sentence).

    • SourGumGum@lemmy.world
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      1 day ago

      Retarded is an outdated medical term, we use terminology such as intellectual disability these days because of the stigma behind the R word.

      • Avicenna@programming.dev
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        1 day ago

        Agreed, in its core the problem lies in people’s inclination to be ableist. Whether or not making people conscious of usage of ableist terminology in sentences is helpful to this problem, I am not really sure. But I am also not against it.

        • samus12345@sh.itjust.works
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          1 day ago

          The etymology of the word is irrelevant in this context, only how it’s currently being used in English.

          • GreenKnight23@lemmy.world
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            1 day ago

            though I’m disappointed that you believe the history of language is irrelevant, I’m happy you feel that way!

            in the original comment, they used it in a way to describe a board game, not against a person or people.

            so no issue, right?

              • GreenKnight23@lemmy.world
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                1 day ago

                since you need a spoon I’ll feed it to you.

                The etymology of the word is irrelevant in this context,

                you’re ignoring 500 years of definition for the last 70 years of English use. if you ignore the etymology of language then what is the point of language in the first place.

                you can’t just ignore the literal history of a word when it suits you, that’s just retarded [hindered/restrained].

                only how it’s currently being used in English.

                how the term was used in English was to describe a board game, not a person or people. the context, in this case, is the board game. this would imply you have no qualms about their use of the word and your comments are simply arguing for arguments sake.

                words are important, context is important, but intention is most important.

                • samus12345@sh.itjust.works
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                  1 day ago

                  Intention is important, but communication is most important and the whole reason words exist. You can have any number of arcane meanings in your head behind the words you use, but the way it’s understood by the person/people you’re communicating to is what really matters.

                  • GreenKnight23@lemmy.world
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                    1 day ago

                    you’re giving off “I am very smrt” vibes.

                    intention is literally the meaning behind the message. if a person cannot understand the intent behind the meaning that’s the fault of the listener, not the speaker.

                    do they not teach these things in schools these days?