It’s based on usage. R word is tainted now, this might change in the future or not. Language doesn’t care about etymology, only about usage. If the usage is generally negative and implies inferiority of a minority it’s a slur.
Calling someone an idiot doesn’t imply that disabled people are inferior, which makes it ok to use.
It’s based on usage. R word is tainted now, this might change in the future or not. Language doesn’t care about etymology, only about usage. If the usage is generally negative and implies inferiority of a minority it’s a slur.
Calling someone an idiot doesn’t imply that disabled people are inferior, which makes it ok to use.
They are both used the same
They’re used differently, which trumps historical meanings.
No, they are used the same. Please provide a sentence where they can’t be used interchangeably if you claim they are used so drastically different.