(no subject)
I've been thinking a lot about words lately, and how they change meaning, and something that starts out innocent can become offensive, and something that starts out offensive can evolve to a point that few realise its offensive origins. I was prompted by a post by a woman with mobility difficulties who was calling attention to the fact that LGBT people are, rightfully so, up in arms about the use of the word 'gay' to mean uncool, inferior, etc. but many of those same people use the word 'lame' in the same context, forgetting, perhaps, or not caring that 'lame' properly describes someone who is disabled, and as such, is just as offensive when used in the context of worthlessness as 'gay' or 'retard'.
So, since I like lists, I thought I'd try to compile a list of words and phrases in relatively common use that have discriminatory origins that most modern speakers don't know or recognise.
I can think of two examples off the top of my head:
'gyp' meaning to swindle or cheat, as in "I got gypped!" Short for 'gypsy' and reflecting the stereotype of the Romani people as thieves and swindlers.
'paddy-wagon' for a police car, reflecting the general opinion around the turn of the 20th century that all Irish immigrants ('paddys' after the common Irish nickname of 'Paddy' for 'Patrick') were lawless troublemakers.
Can y'all think of any more to add in the interest of spreading awareness? I'm not looking for children's chants and rhymes like 'eanie meanie meinie mo' - there are just too many of those to count.
So, since I like lists, I thought I'd try to compile a list of words and phrases in relatively common use that have discriminatory origins that most modern speakers don't know or recognise.
I can think of two examples off the top of my head:
'gyp' meaning to swindle or cheat, as in "I got gypped!" Short for 'gypsy' and reflecting the stereotype of the Romani people as thieves and swindlers.
'paddy-wagon' for a police car, reflecting the general opinion around the turn of the 20th century that all Irish immigrants ('paddys' after the common Irish nickname of 'Paddy' for 'Patrick') were lawless troublemakers.
Can y'all think of any more to add in the interest of spreading awareness? I'm not looking for children's chants and rhymes like 'eanie meanie meinie mo' - there are just too many of those to count.