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A comment on GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the word 'retard'. Parent comment

Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by KirinDave on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @12:55AM (#9966278)
Would it actually bother you if you couldn't use those words in those contexts? You're arguing over a principle while dismissing the real harm people have suffered. The word that got banned has no meaning or use outside the most base kind of interactions.

It's not like you can no longer say the word "eggplant" at the supermarket to refer to a vegetable.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by aerovistae on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @01:00AM (#9966299)
'Retard' has no meaning or use?

https://www.google.com/search?tbo=p&tbm=bks&q=retard&num=10

Also, please be careful how you use the word 'vegetable.' My aunt is in a coma, and many people find that offensive.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by KirinDave on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @01:39AM (#9966488)
> 'Retard' has no meaning or use?

Homonyms are not the same word, you ridiculous caricature.

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Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by aerovistae on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @01:45AM (#9966502)
Praytell, what here do you think is being used as a homonym?

Where exactly do you think the word 'retard' as a noun comes from?

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Re:GitHub threatens to shut down a repository for using the ... by KirinDave on Wednesday July 29, 2015 @02:34AM (#9966707)
A foreshortening of "developmentalluly retarded" that became its own derogatory noun.

Again for someone who beat the drum about the fluidity of language you seem to have a tough time seeing it in action or accepting that new words can emerge via the context.

[ Parent | on HN ]