word usage - Is it derogatory or offensive to call a detective a dick?


The word dick is generally considered offensive and is marked so in dictionaries. But there is also a meaning of detective that it carries. I usually find no derog indication for this meaning.


Is it offensive to call a detective friend of mine a dick?


EDIT (thanks to Kristina): I want to know if the usage of this word to refer to detectives is offensive in practice, though the dictionaries may opine otherwise. The question is general and not about how I could call my friend :)




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