Right around 1990, and I don't think the "really, don't say 'retard'" thing took strong effect until early 2000's. Our culture's imperfect, but there's a fair

Right around 1990, and I don't think the "really, don't say 'retard'" thing took strong effect until early 2000's. Our culture's imperfect, but there's a fair bit of evidence that it's a kinder, more courteous world-- especially for youth-- than 30 years ago. Taking some sharp edges off language may have helped with that.