# Enough With The Epithets, JThunder **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 9, 2005, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231 "2005-08-09T03:10:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hyperelastic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Hyperelastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hyperelastic)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/1 "2005-08-09T03:10:51Z")
You could have seen this thread coming from a mile away, but here goes. **JThunder** asks the burning question in IMHO: Who would win, rednecks or hillbillies? We’ve hashed this over a million times, and the SDMB powers that be have apparently decreed that while certain names may not be used to describe people of other races, you can call white people anything you want, or some such discriminatory policy. That doesn’t mean using epithets for white people in a completely unnecessary context makes you funny, or clever, or witty. It just makes you look like a pathetic hipster jackoff. Would I receive an admonitory email or temporary suspension if I started an IMHO thread entitled “Who would win, slopes or dinks?” I suspect I would. Also, consider what you would think of a person who would start a thread like that, and then ask yourself why you don’t think the same of **JThunder**. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/2 "2005-08-09T03:16:02Z")
Neither redneck nor hillbilly is a racial slur. Lighten up. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/3 "2005-08-09T03:21:47Z")
WTF is a dink? Never heard that one before. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/4 "2005-08-09T03:24:29Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > WTF is a dink? Never heard that one before. I thought it was “double income no kids”. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/5 "2005-08-09T03:27:11Z")
**D** ouble **I** ncome **N** o **K** ids * * * I think the Pitted thread is pretty stupid, but I do notice that a rather significant number of contributors are self-identified as one or the other. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/6 "2005-08-09T03:29:15Z")
> [@tomndebb](#): > > **D** ouble **I** ncome **N** o **K** ids I think I’ve just discovered that mods _do_ have ignore lists. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![La\_Llorona](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@La\_Llorona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/La_Llorona)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/7 "2005-08-09T03:52:26Z")
> [@This Year's Model](#): > > I thought it was “double income no kids”. Yep, but it’s also a derogatory term for an Asian, which I would consider to be the more likely intended meaning here, especially since “slope” is another offensive word used to refer to Asian people. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/8 "2005-08-09T03:54:02Z")
> [@La Llorona](#): > > Yep, but it’s also a derogatory term for an Asian, which I would consider to be the more likely intended meaning here, especially since “slope” is another offensive word used to refer to Asian people. I’ve never heard it. I have gathered that slope is supposed to be offensive, but I didn’t know which group of people I wasn’t supposed to use it about. ---
**Author:** ![Khan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3ab097/32.png) [@Khan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khan)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/9 "2005-08-09T04:11:35Z")
Probably the only time I’ve ever heard “dink” used was in Platoon. They’re about to move out, and Barnes admonishes them, “don’t leave nothin’ for the dinks.” I think it was Barnes, anyway. But there’s an example of it in context for you, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/10 "2005-08-09T04:50:58Z")
FWIW, I know several black rednecks. Several of them are actually proud of the label. ---
**Author:** ![Ashes\_Ashes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/db5fbb/32.png) [@Ashes\_Ashes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashes_Ashes)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/11 "2005-08-09T05:06:22Z")
How the words are perceived has changed. Redneck is used with self-deprecating humor by many so labeled. Much of the sting has been removed because it’s been claimed by the group it names. It’s meaning has moved closer to down-to-earth than down-and-dirty. Hillbillies are almost mythical creatures to most people. Out of all the people I know, I’m the only person who’s actually met an honest-to-og hillbilly and that’s only because I’m related to them. Ask most people, especially west of the Mississippi, about hillbillies and what they know is from silly cartoons of the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys and maybe they’ve seen Deliverance. How can one be insulted or insult another with such a silly epithet? It’s like somebody cursing you by calling you a nasty mean Easter Bunny. Let’s say, however, that both terms are strong insults. In that case, if it was good enough for Gandhi, it’s certainly good enough for me-- nobody can hurt me without my permission. I know who I am and I know whom I am not. Call me what you wish, but I know the truth. Your _intent_ may hurt my feelings momentarily, but the words are just the raft your shit is floating upon. If using such ‘epithets’ actually does make one look like a pathetic hipster jackoff. It will shortly be apparent to everyone and the problem will take care of itself. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/12 "2005-08-09T08:11:14Z")
Well, if I say you’re a hypersensitive pussy for being offended by the terms “redneck” and “hillbilly”, does it make me a misogynist? To echo **Diogenes** and **Lord Ashtar** , I don’t see either word as implying caucasian descent; I see them more as implying a certain level of intelligence/sophistication is lacking. While this could be seen as an elitist/hipster/city slicker POV, I think both words are far more descriptive than “moron” or “dipshit” or the like, as they imply a more stereotypical “backwoods” mentality, especially as regards issues of racism and relative “progressiveness” of thinking. Similarly, I live in Oakland and have lived all my life among a large black population (in fact, some of my best friends are…ah, screw it), and when we - black, white, Asian, whatever - use the word “ghetto” as an adjective, it’s used to describe a mental state that has nothing to do (in our minds) with race. When using it around people with more, let’s say, _sheltered_ backgrounds, however, they always seem to assume it refers specifically to black people. So my point is, I guess, everybody should stop saying anything ever until the end of time. ---
**Author:** ![belladonna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9fc29f/32.png) [@belladonna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/belladonna)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/13 "2005-08-09T10:28:05Z")
Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will make me run crying to my momma… Every hillbilly I’ve ever met, which is more than a few, proudly self-identified as such. For them, it means they live simply, in the mountains, among family. It means they hunt rabbit for dinner and grow veggies for canning and watch birds eating from the feeders for after-dinner entertainment–what’s to be ashamed of there? ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/14 "2005-08-09T11:29:24Z")
> [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > Neither redneck nor hillbilly is a racial slur. Lighten up. Apparently, some people disagree with you. The [Racial Slur Database](http://www.rsdb.org/) says, “Redneck, Hick and Hillbilly are all used as derogatory terms for whites.” From those, we derive **ditchpig** , redneck kids who play in the streets, and **hillwilliam** , upscale hillbillies — i.e., white trash. ---
**Author:** ![DeadlyAccurate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@DeadlyAccurate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadlyAccurate)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/15 "2005-08-09T11:35:24Z")
> [@woodstockbirdybird](#): > > So my point is, I guess, everybody should stop saying anything ever until the end of time. I think “the,” “and,” and “is” are still non-offensive to most people. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/16 "2005-08-09T11:35:54Z")
> [@Liberal](#): > > Apparently, some people disagree with you. The [Racial Slur Database](http://www.rsdb.org/) says, “Redneck, Hick and Hillbilly are all used as derogatory terms for whites.” > > From those, we derive **ditchpig** , redneck kids who play in the streets, and **hillwilliam** , upscale hillbillies — i.e., white trash. Hillwilliam - that’s hilarious. I’ll have to remember it. Anyway, so some internet site that gathers info from average schmoes says it’s a derogatory term for whites. I’m an average schmoe, and I say it’s not. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/17 "2005-08-09T11:38:20Z")
> [@DeadlyAccurate](#): > > I think “the,” “and,” and “is” are still non-offensive to most people. Well, obviously there’s a patriarchal bias in “the” - “he” is 2/3 of the friggin’ word! And of course, “is” is merely the Cockney pronunciation of “his”. The UFOs aren’t relaying any information on “and” yet, but I’m sure it’s forthcoming. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/18 "2005-08-09T11:43:07Z")
> [@woodstockbirdybird](#): > > Anyway, so some internet site that gathers info from average schmoes says it’s a derogatory term for whites. I’m an average schmoe, and I say it’s not. Okay, so it’s average schmoe against average schmoe. Why are you not arguing with the categorical declaration made in post #2? ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/19 "2005-08-09T11:50:05Z")
I’m just curious. Do any of you defending the notion that “redneck” and “hillbilly” (and related terms) are not slurs of the same caliber as other well-known (and not repeated here) epithets, believe it elevates the dialog to use these generalizations as if they actually convey meaningful information? In the thread being pitted I asked for a little clarification regarding the circumstances of which group would win. Best I got was some game based on Google hits. All that says is that the terms are used. I knew that. What seems to me (a Southerner by birth) more an issue is how these terms seem to allow others in other regions of the country (and even in other countries) to express their supposed superiority (of intellect, education, position in society, etc.) with a casual slur about people in a region that continues to be seen (by those ignorant of its virtues) as the same place it was in Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Civil Rights Movement, Birmingham, Selma, sit-ins, etc., days. To those of you with those views and sentiments, and who feel that labels such as redneck and hillbilly are funny and innocent, I suggest you look around you, wherever you live, and see if there aren’t some others closer to home that you can denigrate. I, for one Sotherner, feel you’re just demonstrating your own pathetic iognorance. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2005, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231/20 "2005-08-09T11:52:40Z")
I, for one Sotherner, feel you’re just demonstrating your own pathetic iognorance. should read: I, for one Southerner, feel you’re just demonstrating your own pathetic ignorance. I did preview, twice. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enough-with-the-epithets-jthunder/316231.md?page=2)