I'd like to start by saying that I don't think you're a bad person and I don't hold this against you. I genuinely believe that, at the end of the day, you don't say this word maliciously, I truly do. That being said, stop using the word retarded as an adjective. It is not, nor has it ever been, an adjective. The word retard is an offensive word that refers to those who have some sort of mental disability in a very disrespectful way. This word is so offensive that medical professionals have stopped referring to any type of mental medical condition as mental retardation. Doctors don't even use the word because of how offensive it is. This means you should stop, too. These people didn't ask to have these disabilities, but they do, and using this word so haphazardly is not only wrong but rather cruel.
I have had family members and countless friends who have some type of disability, and saying this word not only offends them, but me as well. Now, I'm not saying you haven't known people who have disabilities nor am I saying you are heartless or cruel. The point I am trying to make is, choose the words that come out of your mouth more carefully. The English language is a complex, beautiful language, and there are so many ways to say one thing. To be as accommodating as possible, I have even written a little list of words to use if you ever find yourself stuck; dull, dumb, stupid, laughable, annoying, irritating, meaningless, idiotic, foolish, slow, trivial, infuriating, maddening, trying, tiresome, obnoxious, etc.
I realize you're thinking, "Everyone says it, its not a big deal." You're wrong. It is a HUGE deal. Using this word as an adjective does have repercussions. You may not see them immediately, or everyday, but know that when you're in public, anyone can overhear the conversations you are having. I have lost track of how many times I have been at the grocery store or the mall and have overheard someone call something retarded. I hear you, and I'm done being silent about it.
As you're sitting here reading this think of your biggest insecurity. Now think of an extremely derogatory phrase used to describe this specific attribute. Now imagine that word being used in everyday life in an extremely negative way. It stings, doesn't it? That is how it feels when you use the word retarded.
Look, I realize Rome wasn't built in a day. Breaking the habit of using this word is going to be a process, but I truly believe you can do it. All I want is for you to become aware that you are using this word incorrectly, and stop. Mental disabilities, or I should say intellectual disabilities, are not a joke. They are certainly not to be taken lightly, and the word retarded is NOT an adjective.
