# I wish posters would stop using the term "MAGAt" **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 12, 2026, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577 "2026-01-12T00:23:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/21 "2026-01-12T03:08:07Z")
Generally, I’m not a fan of insulting people’s names, roles, or appearance, and could do without MAGAt. I think it cheapens the response or point and is also bullying. YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/22 "2026-01-12T03:34:44Z")
> [@susan](#): > > and is also bullying. YMMV. - Or fighting fire with fire. Don’t forget that to those people, kindness is weakness. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/23 "2026-01-12T04:01:47Z")
> [@Mr.Duality](#): > > obnoxious poster who I believe was banned. Or turned into whine? ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/24 "2026-01-12T04:08:56Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > You know who else casually refers to their opposition as vermin? We should be better than that. If you’re just calling people vermin, and not stuffing them into ovens, you’re already being a lot better than the Nazis. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/25 "2026-01-12T04:20:14Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > They should be called out and shamed. Except that does nothing, because they have no shame. They _boast_ about things that a normal person would be ashamed of. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/26 "2026-01-12T04:47:41Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > This has been bothering me for some time. I’m not calling out any specific posters. The term is used by many in every political thread. And everyone knows what it means. They may not put much thought into it (Dopers?!) and think it’s just casual shorthand among friends. But it’s not. You know who else casually refers to their opposition as vermin? We should be better than that. Yes, MAGAs are deeply disturbed people, living in a hate-filled alternate reality. They should be called out and shamed. But as tensions ratchet up in this country, we should still not stoop to their level. Better angels and all that. Of course, I have no authority to tell anyone what they can or can’t post. I’m just posting this as a wish. But are you okay with me referring to 45/47 as the America-hating fuckstick? ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/27 "2026-01-12T05:23:29Z")
I disagree. They act like vermin, they deserve any insult I can give them. Taking the high road does nothing. We’re fighting for the soul of this country, and we’re losing. Hurting someone’s feefees\* doesn’t bother me one whit. I’ve also bee known to call them MAGA 💩s., MAGAmorons and trumpsuckers. Fuck 'em. \*now, losing that term I could get behind ---
**Author:** ![Ancient\_Nerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed655f/32.png) [@Ancient\_Nerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ancient_Nerd)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/28 "2026-01-12T05:36:07Z")
Could I suggest ‘cult members’? ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/29 "2026-01-12T05:42:42Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > You know who else casually refers to their opposition as vermin? We should be better than that. I’ve pretty much always been on the pro-gun side of things, but never in all my years have I referred to those who oppose my views as vermin. Why? Because the anti-gun people weren’t bad people who viewed others as subhuman. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve run into anti-gun people who were assholes, but it wasn’t their disagreement with me that made them assholes. The MAGA followers I’ve encountered had no problem labeling me a RINO when I expressed opposition to Trump. They’ve had no difficulty insulting me to my face by calling me names when I point out the reality of who their leader is. Fuck them. I can’t even have a meaningful conversation with my mother because she’s gone full on MAGA. There is no such thing as a good MAGAt. They’re all assholes. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/30 "2026-01-12T05:45:20Z")
Apparently, people are misreading my OP as saying that we shouldn’t call MAGA _any_ bad names when I’m _only_ talking about the use of vermin terms as historically dehumanizing pejoratives. But I’ve skimmed the other thread pointed out above and see now that I’m definitely in the minority on even this. It’s been interesting, though. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/31 "2026-01-12T06:00:35Z")
I don’t think you are in a minority. The rest of just roll our eyes and move on. Those who think it is “fighting fire with fire” are not going to be convinced otherwise. To be clear I am in on insulting those of the MAGA crowd and MAGAt was maybe a small smile the first time I heard it. Now it just makes those who use it sound pathetically unclever. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/32 "2026-01-12T06:02:41Z")
It was pathetic when Rush Limbaugh was calling people he hated by cutesy nicknames in the 80s and it’s still pathetic now. The other problem, here at least, is folks keep coming up with new names for these idiots to the point where sometimes it’s really difficult to tell who the fuck they’re talking about. If you’re going to do it at least stick to regularly seen ones! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 6:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/33 "2026-01-12T06:12:09Z")
I don’t like calling people bad names. It’s difficult to go anywhere someone isn’t cussing or throwing bad language. And name calling. I can’t help but despise everything the right is spewing out of their pie holes. I was told long ago smart people find smart, in no way dirty words to use to fight battles. Name calling is what ignorant(uneducated)people use to hurt others. I find it off-putting. I do understand the need of some to express their convictions otherwise. It’s not something I’d do. In RL and rarely here. It’s just not who I am. I also agree we’re in a mud-flinging hate filled battle for democracy. And we must fight. I will not lower myself to their standards. I mean it’s gotten to the point law makers are basically saying “I know you are, but what am I?” kinda crap. No one will progress at this rate. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/34 "2026-01-12T06:19:16Z")
Fair enough. “Deplorables” it is. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 9:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/35 "2026-01-12T09:00:55Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > I don’t think you are in a minority. The rest of just roll our eyes and move on. That describes me for sure. > [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > The other problem, here at least, is folks keep coming up with new names for these idiots to the point where sometimes it’s really difficult to tell who the fuck they’re talking about. Exactly. So many people think their pet names are clever. It’s not clever when you have to explain some incomprehensible bullshit you made up. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/36 "2026-01-12T10:04:25Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I was told long ago smart people find smart, in no way dirty words to use to fight battles. Name calling is what ignorant(uneducated)people use to hurt others. There’s probably truth in that. The smartest person I have ever known personally was my father. To be clear, I have known of smarter people, possibly been introduced to on a single occasion, smarter people, but he is the smartest person I knew well and had regular interaction with. He never used insulting names for people, or swore; he rarely insulted people at all, unless it was with a clever retort that the person walked into. He never bore fools gladly, though. He dismissed them with incising brevity and accuracy, always, every time. I wish I could be as clever on a dime. My mother was as educated as my father, and as intelligent, but maybe a smidge less clever, and a dollop less patient, so she swore sometimes-- never in front of company, though. And she was always secure in her own opinions-- enough to leave them unexpressed by other than a look. By which upbringing experience, I have to say that Beck is right. That doesn’t stop people communicating entirely in writing, without intonation, facial expression, nor even timing on their side to resort to puns when they seem fresh, but do not remain fresh when archived. Even intelligent people. There are things I don’t want to see, so I stay out of threads where they are likely to come up. I would never tell someone what to wish, though. Wish all you want. But remember that wishing doesn’t make it so. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/37 "2026-01-12T10:09:18Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > It’s not clever when you have to explain I am going to put that in my file of “things to print on T-shirts.” I have a pretty good file of clever stuff I have collected over the last several years. I will cut you in for a percent of the ones with your phrase. This may be what I do when I get too old to deal with toddles and have to retire from the preschool. ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/38 "2026-01-12T10:33:56Z")
This has come up previously on the dope, so I’ll repeat again that in many parts of the English-speaking world, “MAGAt” and “maggot” are _nothing like_ the same pronunciation. Plus anyone who is using English as a second language would also not see that connotation. So a lot of what you may see as calling people vermin may have been unintentional. For me, I go with the rule of “don’t be a jerk”, so now that I know MAGAt is read that way by some, I have instead switched to MAGAs. (and for the singular I generally have to use something clunky like “MAGA supporter”) ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/39 "2026-01-12T12:57:14Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > I don’t think you are in a minority. The rest of just roll our eyes and move on. Those who think it is “fighting fire with fire” are not going to be convinced otherwise. > > To be clear I am in on insulting those of the MAGA crowd and MAGAt was maybe a small smile the first time I heard it. Now it just makes those who use it sound pathetically unclever. All this, exactly. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2026, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-wish-posters-would-stop-using-the-term-magat/1026577/40 "2026-01-12T13:19:54Z")
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