# If "Paki" is acceptable to use then what other slurs are? Nigger? Spic? Homo? Jap? **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [July 16, 2012, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375 "2012-07-16T02:51:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/281 "2012-07-19T04:36:44Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > **DrDeth** , you could always try saying “[whoosh](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=529372)” every time you use a racial slur. Well, gosh yes. Here I was, involved in the longest most involved “Whoosh” yet in the history of the SDMB, and **Guinastasia** is the one poster smart enough to see through my ploy. Darn it. Fudge. ---
**Author:** ![bldysabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecccb3/32.png) [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/282 "2012-07-19T06:10:10Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > You do realize the **An Gadai** is Irish and lives in Dublin, don’t you? Why do you think your opinion on the subject is superior to his? Probably for the same reason many of the posters here feel their opinion is superior to a Pakistani who lives in Pakistan? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/283 "2012-07-19T08:17:01Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > Yes, and “redneck” and “peckerwood” are just as offensive as “nigger”. :dubious: Well, I’ve tried to stop saying “hillbilly” and “white trash” because some Dopers indicated it was offensive. It doesn’t have to be as offensive, IMO, just contextually offensive _enough_. Although I think I’ll keep “fundie” over the objections. ---
**Author:** ![truthSeeker2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7cd45c/32.png) [@truthSeeker2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthSeeker2)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/284 "2012-07-19T08:32:00Z")
Dear IBN\_Warraq, Whenever a “Paki” is used for a non-Pakistani south Asian Muslim outside of UK and Canada , its used for the similarity in looks not in derogatory sense. Like a “Chinese” for a Korean or a Japanese. But its offensive for non-Pakistanis coz they have a separate identity and more so because of Pakistan’s love for Jihad. Only a few people outside of UK and Canada are aware that it is used as an derogatory term by some in those 2 countries (and nowhere else I guess). Besides it comes out as just an obvious short form for “Pakistani”. I was part of another forum where “Paki” was used by everyone including the Pakistanis sometimes. I genuinely feel there’s no reason for you to feel offended and that I do not owe any apology. However I wouldn’t be using “Paki” anymore on this forum since one of the mods wishes so. Cheers Brother. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/285 "2012-07-19T11:50:58Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > So, you’re saying it’s more of a Political than Ethnic slur? Sure, I can buy that. Still, it’s hardly used in a complimentary manner. Well since the thread is about ethnic slurs rather than political ones I still don’t think it’s a useful comparison. Unless you’re saying pubbie etc. is comparable to any of the racial slurs others have discussed above. Funnily enough, terms like mick or paddy would be better examples to use to make your point. They’ve been used as ethnic slurs but can be used affectionately, and by Irish people to self identify (well the latter is anyway). They’re also probably absolutely devoid of any negative connotation to the vast majority of the populace of the earth. > [@](#): > > The Irish poster said “When I use “Brit” I certainly mean it as one (slur)”. Which Irish poster? ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/286 "2012-07-19T13:37:51Z")
Six pages on this? … and now we’ve degenerated to the point of “what about if I call someone from Lima a Perubean?” Dreaming up hypothetical comments and asking in advance whether they’re insults is useless. I can use “nigger” in a non-insulting way (asking about the etymology, for example.) So it all depends on context. At this point, seems to me that if you’re dreaming up ways of skirting the no-insult rule, you’re being a jerk. [sarcasm]We’re in the process of drafting up the precise rules and terms under which use of these are insults. Under Proposed Regulation VI.C.127(b)(iii), the word “Paki” used in post #284 above is not an insult. However, under Proposed Regulation IX.D.23®(iv), the word “Fudge” as used in post #281 is an insult to the people of Fiji, to whom it was obviously addressed.[/sarcasm] BOTTOM LINE: As has been noted often, what’s a mortal insult in one country/region/city is not necessarily so in another. A southsider in Chicago calling someone a Cubs fan would be huge insult in some neighborhoods, not in others. We’re not going to try to moderate on an individual word, we moderate on context and tone, and it depends on the fuckin’ context. ---
**Author:** ![Ibn\_Warraq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e19b73/32.png) [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/287 "2012-07-19T15:03:28Z")
> [@truthSeeker2](#): > > Dear IBN\_Warraq, > > Whenever a “Paki” is used for a non-Pakistani south Asian Muslim outside of UK and Canada , its used for the similarity in looks not in derogatory sense. Like a “Chinese” for a Korean or a Japanese. But its offensive for non-Pakistanis coz they have a separate identity and more so because of Pakistan’s love for Jihad. Piece of advice, brother. If you’re trying to convince people that you’re not prejudiced against Pakistanis then you’re better off not talking about how people don’t like to be associated with Pakistanis due to their “love of Jihad”. It’s a little like saying “I’m not anti-Semitic but I can understand why people don’t like being associated with Jews because they’re so famous for being greedy.” ---
**Author:** ![truthSeeker2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7cd45c/32.png) [@truthSeeker2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthSeeker2)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/288 "2012-07-19T15:28:17Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > Piece of advice, brother. If you’re trying to convince people that you’re not prejudiced against Pakistanis then you’re better off not talking about how people don’t like to be associated with Pakistanis due to their “love of Jihad”. > > It’s a little like saying “I’m not anti-Semitic but I can understand why people don’t like being associated with Jews because they’re so famous for being greedy.” I have stated a fact brother. 90% of the Indian muslims wouldn’t like to be mistaken as being Pakistani because of Pakistan’s use of terrorism as state policy. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2012, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/289 "2012-07-19T15:39:46Z")
> [@truthSeeker2](#): > > I have stated a fact brother. 90% of the Indian muslims wouldn’t like to be mistaken as being Pakistani because of Pakistan’s use of terrorism as state policy. Please take any political disputes to Great Debates. We’re only talking about the language and the board rules here. ---
**Author:** ![Enuma\_Elish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5e9695/32.png) [@Enuma\_Elish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enuma_Elish)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/290 "2012-07-20T01:10:52Z")
If I ever claim to be offended at being called “Cracker”, I’m just lying for effect. 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![bldysabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecccb3/32.png) [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/291 "2012-07-20T03:08:33Z")
> [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](#): > > BOTTOM LINE: As has been noted often, what’s a mortal insult in one country/region/city is not necessarily so in another. A southsider in Chicago calling someone a Cubs fan would be huge insult in some neighborhoods, not in others. We’re not going to try to moderate on an individual word, we moderate on context and tone, and it depends on the fuckin’ context. Perfect. Can I request the thread be closed now? ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/292 "2012-07-20T03:13:40Z")
> [@florez](#): > > Ideally this board is open to many people from many different countries, so if a term is derogatory in certain countries I hope that you are not suggesting that people from those countries be excluded from this board, or just put up with what they would consider to be a slur. There is a difference between not having a formal rule, and suggesting that people “just put up” with a slur. Let them know it’s a problem, in case they’re just ignorant. If they keep doing it, fire back! Tell them they’re a bigot; point it out to the board. > [@bldysabba](#): > > To consider context is a reasonable approach. I often use ‘Japs’ IRL although I don’t think it has happened on the SDMB yet. For me, that term carries none of the cultural baggage that it does for Americans/Brits/what have you. And, what’s more, I don’t particularly see why I should take on any of that burden either. It’s not about _your_ baggage. It’s about the people you’re referring to. > [@MrDibble](#): > > Well, I’ve tried to stop saying “hillbilly” and “white trash” because some Dopers indicated it was offensive. It doesn’t have to be as offensive, IMO, just contextually offensive _enough_. Right. I don’t know why some people always have to argue the relative offensiveness of terms. It shouldn’t really matter, and there can be no right or fair answer anyway, because it depends on cultural experiences which differ. If you use a term for someone that _they_ perceive as a slur, and they tell you this… you stop using it, or you demonstrate that you don’t give a fuck about their feelings. If you _want_ to give that impression, go for it, but don’t be surprised if you are widely perceived as an asshole. Once you institute _rules_, though, about how some slurs, some words, are flat out, and uttering them is categorically a violation–not so for other words–then you have established a hierarchy of oppression (or of protection, if you prefer). Far better to have no _words_ off limits, but censure for people who persist in using any of them in hateful ways. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/293 "2012-07-20T06:05:05Z")
> [@bldysabba](#): > > Perfect. Can I request the thread be closed now? It’s not your thread, so I doubt it. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/294 "2012-07-20T08:06:21Z")
> [@Enuma\_Elish](#): > > If I ever claim to be offended at being called “Cracker”, I’m just lying for effect. 🆒 What about cracker ass cracker? ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/295 "2012-07-20T11:19:29Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > “Race” is not a term used to describe a common cultural background, in my experience. Best you inform the dictionaries then. for example Merriam-Webster: > **[Definition of RACE](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/race?show=2&t=1342782975)** > > any one of the groups that humans are often divided into based on physical traits regarded as common among people of shared ancestry; also : the fact of dividing people, or of people being divided, into such groups : categorization by race… See the... > [@](#): > > a class or kind of people unified by shared interests, habits, or characteristics Or [dictionary.com](http://dictionary.com): > **[Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words](https://www.dictionary.com/browse/race?s=t)** > > The world's leading online dictionary: English definitions, synonyms, word origins, example sentences, word games, and more. A trusted authority for 25+ years! > [@](#): > > any people united by common history, language, cultural traits, etc.: the Dutch race. These definitions are the exact reason why the word racism can be used to define prejudice against certain religions and people from certain nations. You may not like that these definitions exist, but they do and as such your concept of racism is, as shown, incorrect. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/296 "2012-07-20T12:11:52Z")
In “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” Bridget’s mother said the Japanese are “a cruel race.” That kind of usage was much more common in the past I believe and had been applied to all kinds of human groups, including national and subnational groups. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/297 "2012-07-20T14:40:43Z")
What’s wrong with Lord of the Flies? I think I missed something in six pages of back and forward. ---
**Author:** ![Enuma\_Elish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5e9695/32.png) [@Enuma\_Elish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enuma_Elish)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/298 "2012-07-20T17:25:56Z")
> [@Darth\_Panda](#): > > What about cracker ass cracker? 1. God, Chris Rock is funny. 2. Has he done anything new lately? 3. I’m hungry for crackers. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/299 "2012-07-20T17:28:53Z")
> [@Darth\_Panda](#): > > What about cracker ass cracker? ::::hijack:::: did you ever notice that the most non-discriminatory way to refer to a person’s skin color is to mention the color of their ass? It’s a much more neutral descriptor than simply mentioning their skin color, even in being offensive to some by using a 3 letter word. ---
**Author:** ![tagos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2012, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/300 "2012-07-26T15:05:54Z")
> [@Ibn\_Warraq](#): > > As for Spic, yes, at a country club I worked at I heard many older whites who regularly used the term without the slightest suggestion they understood it was a racial slur. I would say it is much more likely that they didn’t care than they didn’t know. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375.md?page=16)