That is so retarded!

[Michele]

What do you think when someone uses the word 'retarded' when describing another person's behavior or thoughts?

Example:
"You are so retarded!"
"That is such a retarded show!"

I hear certain kids say this all the time. However, I have also heard adults say this as well.

Acceptable word for kids and adults to use to describe a behavior or situation? Or are people that are offended by it, too sensitive?

[Terrell]

I think that it depends on the situation. I would think that a person being personally insulted, has a legitimate reason to be offended (though I don't think that actions based on that offense are necessarily justified). I don't necessarily think, though, that saying something is retarded, should be cause for offense.

[Shannie-Poo]

When referring to a person I find it insulting

When referencing a show. I am not offended.

I have said it to friends though, joking around. Course I call them whore, bitch and tell them they are a pussy. We are a tight group. LOL

[eva]

I don't think it's an acceptable term. I understand people don't mean to offend, but that's what education is for.

[ehartsay]

I personally do not like it.

I would rather people just used the term stupid.

Frankly, I think use of the term makes one seem a little _____

But seriously, I think that it has the potential to be offensive, not only to the thing/person/action being negatively described, but also to other people.
Also, well - it IS a very 5th grade way to talk, and I would hope that an adult would have developed a more sophisticated vocabulary of insult.

[Truffles]

It's in fashion to say that now. It will fall out of fashion soon enough (hopefully very soon).

There is a lady that always says that things are retarded and it makes me cringe. But, it's no worse than saying something is stupid (and I've been known to say that), I suppose.

[kingclick]

Meh.

[Diva]

Inappropriate and juvenile, but not offensive unless applied to a person.

[holychicken]

It is meant to be an insult and so yeah, it is offensive, that is the point. IMO, it is no different than calling someone stupid.

[Jokimoto]

Don't worry, the next edition of the Newspeak Dictionary will be out soon, and the word "retarded" has been removed in favor of "double-plus-unsmart".