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>As a result of that second meaning large numbers of people use the word as a synonym for "unlikable" or "bad". It is possible that this is kind like how the w
by shardling 14y ago
>As a result of that second meaning large numbers of people use the word as a synonym for "unlikable" or "bad".
It is possible that this is kind like how the word bad itself was derived! (http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=bad http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=bad)
>a mystery word with no apparent relatives in other languages. Possibly from Old English derogatory term bæddel and its diminutive bædling "effeminate man, hermaphrodite, pederast"
- twerquie 14y agoThat's fascinating. Goes to show that decontextualization is the ultimate disarming of a slur. Abstaining from the word completely leaves it loaded with hateful power.
- shardling 14y agoDon't take that too far -- it's certainly absolutely never a defense for using a particular word. If there are people who'd prefer you not to use it, just don't frickin' use it.
- illuminate 14y ago"Abstaining from the word completely leaves it loaded with hateful power." The persons in power can not do not and will not recontextualize racist terminology on their own.