Language is, arguably, the greatest ability possessed by human beings. Unfortunately, it often times varies from place to place and from person to person. This easily and frequently leads to miscommunications and mistranslations of particular words. There are some words in the English language that have dual meanings that certain people may find very offensive. Some may use these words in an offensive way without even realizing the huge population of people they are insulting. Here are four words we should make it effort to say less, but to understand more:
1. Retarded
The word retarded literally means "to delay". This explains why it was originally chosen to describe an individual who's mental development has been delayed, making them mentally retarded. Unfortunately, this word is used nowadays to describe someone or something that is "stupid."
2. Gay
The word gay is one that has had many different meanings and implications throughout time. It from Old French "gai" which translated to "carefree". This is when the word was traditionally used to mean happy. In the 17th century, the translation was changed lightly to mean "immoral" instead of "carefree." People then began to refer to actions that they deemed immoral as "gay." One of those actions was that of homosexuality. Many gay individuals actually embraced this new title and by 1955 it was commonly used synonymously with homosexual. Since then, the word has found yet another meaning as it has begun to be used to describe things that are "stupid" or "pointless." This is an insult to individuals who identify themselves as being gay.
3. Rapey
The word rapey has become popular with millennials and is used to describe someone who appears creepy. The word, of course, is a reference to rapist, or someone who has committed a rape. While the use of such a word may seem harmless, it makes light of a very serious crime. By simply choosing to instead use the word creepy, you are being respectful of those who have been victims of rape, while maintaining the seriousness of such a label.
4. Spaz
The word spaz is a shortened version of the world "spastic". Much like the word retarded, spastic was once used solely to describe someone with a disability. Most commonly it was used in reference to someone who experienced twitches, turrets, or seizures. This stemmed from the word's medical origin when it was used to label a disorder of the nervous system called spastic paralysis. It is now, almost always, used to describe someone who is different in a derogatory way.
