single word requests - What is a less offensive synonym for "retarded"?


I occasionally use "retarded" when chastising myself or other friends. I know it's not Politically Correct, but am I only allowed to say stupid? How long before we can't say that anymore?


Other words like "ignorant" don't work well because well, I don't like that word because it's misunderstood (even though it works well for how I say retarded . . for me it's like if you don't know something you should know).



Answer



Here are several examples:


When referring to someone who has mental retardation


Speaking as someone with a few years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities the current politically correct term is what I just used.


"They are retarded" becomes "They are people with developmental disabilities.".


When referring to myself


"God, I'm so retarded" becomes "God, I'm so silly".


Other possibilities include: foolish, dumb, and stupid.


When directing it at someone


"WTF, are you retarded?" becomes "What were you thinking?"


"That was a retarded thing to do" becomes "That was an ill conceived thing to do"


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