[iamzack]

You're pretty much the definition of politically correct, Battsy.

[blowfish]

It seems pretty simple actually.  If you think someone might get offended by a term, don't use it.  If you find out that a term that you previously used is offensive, stop using it.  If you unknowingly say something that someone finds offensive, apologize, acknowledge your mistake, and stop using it.

[iamzack]

Are there any inoffensive terms for a gay person or a woman?

[Ravenholme]

Are there any inoffensive terms for a gay person or a woman?

Not sure about a gay person, it really seems to depend on the person in question. But most women I know are fine with woman and girl (That first depending on context, really. With the only negative context being an innapropriate usage in a commanding way [Unless she's into that kinda thing]). Female works as well.

[blowfish]

Are there any inoffensive terms for a gay person or a woman?

Is "woman" offensive?

Also, at least where I am from, it is acceptable to just say "gay," as long as you phrase it so that the listener knows you mean "homosexual" and not anything else.

[Ravenholme]

Are there any inoffensive terms for a gay person or a woman?

Is "woman" offensive?

Also, at least where I am from, it is acceptable to just say "gay," as long as you phrase it so that the listener knows you mean "homosexual" and not anything else.

I didn't think it was, myself. And yea, generally seems to be the case here as well

[iamzack]

Usually with woman and girl and that kind of thing, it's in the context of "______ like a woman/girl/whatever." Therefore, the words carry the connotations. That's apparently how it works for Paki and Jap, right?

As for "gay" it's used as a catch-all insult where I live, by everyone, constantly.

[Ravenholme]

Usually with woman and girl and that kind of thing, it's in the context of "______ like a woman/girl/whatever." Therefore, the words carry the connotations. That's apparently how it works for Paki and Jap, right?

As for "gay" it's used as a catch-all insult where I live, by everyone, constantly.

....

I... I ... I don't even know how to reply to that.

I hate to see whoever the hell it is you hang around with, Iaz. Whenever I hear Woman/Girl, it's usually in the context of "I met this girl saturday night, she was really nice, we exchanged numbers, I think it could go somewhere." that kinda thing, ya?

[iamzack]

Yeah, the word can reasonably be used totally innocently, kinda like Jap and Paki.

[General Battuta]

You're pretty much the definition of politically correct, Battsy.

If you had an inkling of the things I've written or the experiments I've run I'd doubt you'd say that.

I pride myself on having data-driven opinions.

[blowfish]

Yeah, the word can reasonably be used totally innocently, kinda like Jap and Paki.

I dunno, my general feeling is that when you're referring to someone's race/ethnicity, you usually use the full name because it sounds like a slur otherwise, even if it wasn't previously.  That may just be where I am from though.

Also note though, you have to be much more sensitive to international connotations when you're on the internet.

[iamzack]

The silliest things turn out to be slurs. Eventually it stops being sensitive and starts being a waste of time.

[General Battuta]

The silliest things turn out to be slurs. Eventually it stops being sensitive and starts being a waste of time.

Silly to you. But you have a responsibility to empathize with those who have different histories. (Since it's obvious by now that we're debating what got you banned last time )

[iamzack]

I really don't care that I got banned last time. Anyway, I've decided to replace every insult I use with "American." This thread is ****ing American as hell.

[Ravenholme]

I really don't care that I got banned last time. Anyway, I've decided to replace every insult I use with "American." This thread is ****ing American as hell.

Ow, that IS insulting :C

[SpardaSon21]

(Now if spardason would just unblock me so he'd get my PM apology for that tiff earlier.)

You aren't blocked, at least not intentionally.  I've just been trying to figure out the best way to apologize to you while saving face.

[General Battuta]

(Now if spardason would just unblock me so he'd get my PM apology for that tiff earlier.)

You aren't blocked, at least not intentionally.  I've just been trying to figure out the best way to apologize to you while saving face.

Oh. Well don't worry about it, I don't think you're dumb or anything. I just figured you were still super pissed at me or something. :/

I've been plenty angry at certain HLP members before and then felt remarkably sheepish about it later.

[Dilmah G]

Usually with woman and girl and that kind of thing, it's in the context of "______ like a woman/girl/whatever." Therefore, the words carry the connotations. That's apparently how it works for Paki and Jap, right?

As for "gay" it's used as a catch-all insult where I live, by everyone, constantly.

Ah, I think I know what you mean. "Oi, you catch like a chick!" kind of thing? (a quote from the bloke who plays forward pocket in the school football team).

[Sushi]

Here's Sushi's take in short:

1. Try to be respectful of other people and not say things that you know will offend them. Come to grips with the fact that this is impossible and you will inevitably gaffe. If people are smart enough to tell you when you screw up, listen to them.

2. When people say something offensive, give them the benefit of the doubt. They probably weren't trying to offend you. If you're still offended, politely inform them, since they probably didn't do it on purpose. If the word is something acceptable only within the "in" group, be prepared to defend the double standard.

Are we all happy yet?

[Dilmah G]

Yeah, that satisfies me, and looks mostly like what I'd do. Except there aren't many words that I have to be careful using around certain people, but that's the great thing about being a kid, barely anyone gives a ****.

But the second point is something I've had to do on several occasions. There are only about two dozen people in the entire world who're allowed to joke about my ethnicity in a manner many would see as offensive.