• lumpenproletariat@quokk.auOP
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    3 months ago

    In typical usage, retard (pronounced /ˈɹiː.tɑːɹd/, REE-tard) is an ableist slur for someone who is considered stupid, slow to understand, or ineffective in some way as a comparison to stereotypical traits perceived in those with intellectual disability. The adjective retarded is used in the same way, for something or someone considered very foolish or stupid. The word is sometimes censored and referred to as the euphemistic “r‑word” or “r‑slur” ‎ ‎ Retard was previously used as a medical term.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retard_(pejorative)

    • frog_brawler@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      3 months ago

      Yea, and from the same wiki article:

      The word retard dates as far back as 1426. It stems from the Latin verb retardare, meaning “to hinder” or “make slow”.

      Much like today’s socially acceptable terms idiot and moron, which are also defined as some sort of mental disability, when the term retard is being used in its pejorative form, it is usually not being directed at people with intellectual disabilities. Instead, people use the term when teasing their friends or as a general insult.