Post #3929124

2026-07-19 07:26 UTC

I'm being scolded for using the word anyway. I genuinely don't know how to decode this. If a non-slur word for one thing in one part of the world is a slur for an entirely different thing in a different part of the world, does that mean we can't use the word in the non-slur context either? https://mastodon.green/@CiaraNi/116945378971470701

Replies (2)

@losttourist@social.chatty.monster 2026-07-19 07:33

@CiaraNi@mastodon.green There are many words that fall into that category. Brits would cringe at Americans' casual use of the word "spaz", or Indians' use of the word "Paki". Language is of course ever-changing and words that were once acceptable can become not so, but I don't think anyone should be expected to modify their usage of a word that is OK in their own dialect because it might not be elsewhere.

Open ##3929123
@Maker_of_Things@cupoftea.social 2026-07-19 07:49

@CiaraNi@mastodon.green Hearing the work 'chink' still raises anxiety for me, but I have also had 50+ years of learning and recognising context so that it isn't an issue, in context. I guess some people don't have the alternative 'use in context' in their culture so are quicker to take offence, or not realise offence may be caused. It is difficult, but also it is an opportunity for learning and understanding on both sides.

Open ##3929427