The first step to using the word “retarded” is simple – don’t. Trust me, I understand the shock and confusion you must be experiencing after reading that. To find an actual thesaurus in this day and age is virtually impossible. And the amount of embarrassment that could be caused by someone finding thesaurus.com in your browser history would probably be scarring. So to save you the trouble, I opened a library card in a fake name, started a new private window, and did years of additional research so you don’t have to! I compiled a nice, short list of words so you can spare yourself the trouble of confusing a demeaning adjective with people who don’t belong anywhere near your derogatory descriptions.

1. Stupid
   1. If you’ve decided to use the r-word to describe something you deem irresponsible, reckless, or dumb, this is the easiest alternative! It’s quick, easy, and gets exactly to the point. And wow, it doesn’t tear anyone down in the process. Amazing!
2. Senseless
   1. Here, you can use this when you’re confused by another person’s actions. Maybe what they did made no sense to you, and you’re utterly confused. Or maybe you’re in awe of their deprived sense of surrounding. Want to know the best part? You aren’t spewing hateful words in place of adjectives. Crazy how that works, eh?
3. Naïve
   1. Occasionally, you may find someone who can be swayed easily. If you’re wanting to interchange this word with “gullible,” it works just as well! That’s what you may refer to as a two-for-one.
4. Ludicrous
   1. Yes, it’s not only the name of a rapper we rarely admit we listen to, but an adjective as well! I know that sometimes people may be a little ridiculous. So for the sake of soothing your self-entitled sense of sesquipedality, this is a quick one! And a personal favorite if I do say so myself.
5. Deficient
   1. I get it. Sometimes people may be lacking in areas that you excel. It can be difficult to try to explain or correct someone on something when you can’t understand why they aren’t quite catching on. But does that mean they’re any less? (Update: no)

In all seriousness though, whatever memes you may post on Facebook regarding your anger towards political correctness – this topic should not be included. This isn’t a matter about how soft you think this generation is, it’s a matter of respect. Belittling people for the sake of your own stupidity has nothing to do with millennials and our supposed lack of thick skin. If you’d like a more in depth explanation about the harms of using this word derogatorily, here are a few links to some amazing articles that give a little bit of a different perception.

Seriously, educate yourself:

http://noahsdad.com/spread-the-word-to-end-the-wor...

http://goinswriter.com/stop-using-retard/

http://www.teenvogue.com/story/r-word