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Politically correct terminology

slowburner · 2011-10-05 19:35:10

I wonder what rules govern the evolution of politically correct terms. I most certainly do not want to offend anyone's sensibilities but it is necessary to use words which might offend in order to give examples. In the past, the term 'tinker' was perfectly acceptable. Now that is unacceptable. Similarly with 'handicapped',…

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05-10-2011 8:35pm

#1

slowburner

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I wonder what rules govern the evolution of politically correct terms.
I most certainly do not want to offend anyone's sensibilities but it is necessary to use words which might offend in order to give examples.
In the past, the term 'tinker' was perfectly acceptable. Now that is unacceptable. Similarly with 'handicapped', 'midget', 'mongoloid' etc.
Will currently acceptable terms like 'traveller', 'special needs' etc. become politically incorrect at some point?

When and why does a term change from being acceptable to unacceptable?

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#2 05-10-2011 9:14pm
JaneHudson

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I suppose when the term is used with malice.

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