# 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:** 3
**Author:** ![Steophan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steophan/32/9595_2.png) [@Steophan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steophan)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/41 "2012-07-16T13:53:42Z")
The problem with “paki” in British English is it’s _not_ used to refer to Pakistanis, it’s used to refer to all people of subcontinental origin. Like all slurs (in British and Australian English, anyway), it can be used affectionately, but generally it’s an unacceptable term here. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9fc348/32.png) [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/42 "2012-07-16T14:08:52Z")
To answer the question, I can think of Canucks, Poles, Newfies, Brits, Ruskies, Turks, Slovaks, Aussies, Kiwis etc. Merkins? Maybe not. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/43 "2012-07-16T14:29:38Z")
Yanks, maybe? I’m pretty sure “Poles,” “Turks,” and “Slovaks” aren’t even nicknames, let alone slurs. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/44 "2012-07-16T14:32:03Z")
Even though most of our users are based in the U.S., we have plenty of non-U.S. posters and this kind of problem comes up from time to time. Whose standard do we use? Like I said in my first post, I have moderated people for using “Paki” in a derogatory fashion and I’ll continue to do so when I think it’s necessary. But in the case of terms that have multiple connotations we have to consider the possibility that people who are using them are not deliberately being offensive. That’s not the case with most of the slurs listed in the thread title. We’ve had discussions like this about “Jap,” too - we had another one recently - and I also moderate people for using that one if they’re using it as a slur against Japanese people (as opposed to commenting on WWII-era attitudes, for example). ---
**Author:** ![blabber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e8c25b/32.png) [@blabber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blabber)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/45 "2012-07-16T14:33:25Z")
**Well l find the use of the word offensive as to me it’s the same as using the word " nigger or Jap '. Just my opinion though.** ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/46 "2012-07-16T14:35:44Z")
> [@VinylTurnip](#): > > Is there an abbreviated/colloquial term for “Pakistani” that isn’t considered offensive? E.g. Brit, Aussie… > > As a generally lazy person, I regret that so many perfectly good short forms are rendered off-limits by their history of being said with a sneer. (Or in the case of “Jap,” by the fact that we went to war with them.) Just say Pakistani and don’t be lazy. I had a good friend of mine refer to a “Happy Paki” store with no trace of any idea it might be offensive. I’m not even Pakistani but good heavens. ---
**Author:** ![Scholar\_Beardpig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@Scholar\_Beardpig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scholar_Beardpig)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/47 "2012-07-16T14:42:22Z")
I’ve always found this very strange, because Pakistan is the only -stan country (besides Afghanistan, but that’s another story) with a ‘made-up name.’ That is to say, take Kazakhstan. It’s the country of the Kazakhs; there are people called Kazakhs, and they’re Kazakhs regardless of their citizenship. Conversely, I can go to Kazakhstan and get a citizenship; I’d be a Kazakhstani but not a Kazakh. It’s the same with the other central Asian -stans - there are people called the Turkmen, some of whom live in Turkmenistan, and so forth. But there is (excuse my language) no tribe of the Pakis. Rather, Pakistan is Persian for ‘the Pure Place.’ It’s also a clever little acronym to describe the 5 provinces it would cover - Punjab, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Sindh, and Baluchistan. No one ethnic group can claim to own Pakistan the way that the Kazakhs can claim to own Kazakhstan - it was designed, rather, as a common homeland for all the Muslims who had been subject to British Imperialism. I don’t know enough about Pakistan to speculate about what this means vv. nascent ethnic and nationalist feelings, but I can imagine that they’d be very, very complicated. (If a Muslim Punjabi left India in the 30s; are they a Pakistani?) ---
**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:** [July 16, 2012, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/48 "2012-07-16T14:49:30Z")
> [@Farmer\_Jane](#): > > I can’t believe anyone would really type “Paki” and not think it’s an insult. Well, you should. As has been explained, it’s not commonly used as a slur in some places, like the USA for example. ---
**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:** [July 16, 2012, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/49 "2012-07-16T14:53:05Z")
If it comes to a vote, then I vote yes, all slurs should be acceptable. Your friendly neighborhood dago wop guinea fat fuck, Revtim ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/50 "2012-07-16T15:00:07Z")
> [@blabber](#): > > **Well l find the use of the word offensive as to me it’s the same as using the word " nigger or Jap '. Just my opinion though.** Oh, smurf off. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/51 "2012-07-16T15:02:55Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > Well, you should. As has been explained, it’s not commonly used as a slur in some places, like the USA for example. So? Australia is infamous for not using cunt as a slur, yet here we are. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/52 "2012-07-16T15:15:48Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > Where here is some ignorance fought for your benefit. I am Pakistani. Born, raised and live in the great Federation of Pakistan. I don’t find it insulting and neither does anyone I know. Most people are dimly aware that it is sometimes used as an insult in the UK, and in the UK if someone calls you that, you might take insult, as insult is meant. But here? No way. Shut down half the Pakistani websites. > > It is the height of small mindedness to decide for yourself what another group is supposed to find insulting, like **boomerwangs** friends apparently. So get of your high horse and stop trying to feel superior, because you are not. Appreciate the clarification and explanation, but your horse looks pretty high too. Right back at ya. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/53 "2012-07-16T15:21:49Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Appreciate the clarification and explanation, but your horse looks pretty high too. Right back at ya. I disagree: **AK’s** perspective on this situation is straight-up educational, if possibly a little bit snarky. But the snark’s worth putting up with to get this information. ---
**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 16, 2012, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/54 "2012-07-16T15:24:16Z")
Here in the United States, it’s not uncommon for Pakistani-owned businesses to use “Pak” – Pak-Mail, Indo-Pak Halal, Pak Auto Service. I’ve even seen “Pakola” soft drinks, which, I believe actually originate in Pakistan. So, is “Pak” okay? Is it tainted by “Paki”? ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/55 "2012-07-16T15:29:49Z")
> [@bldysabba](#): > > I wonder if either of you know you’re attempting to convince a Pakistani that a shortened form of his country’s name is offensive and should be verboten on these boards. No, I didn’t know that, and it’s interesting. I honestly didn’t realise the extent to which this term is acceptable in these contexts, which, yes, represents ignorance on my part. > [@](#): > > Flip this around for an instant. If Indians started using ‘Aussie’ as an insult for Australian immigrants to India(were such an animal to exist), would you then insist that all usage of the word ‘Aussie’ be considered a racial slur, including when used by New Zealanders to refer to their neighbours? Or would you rather that Indians not use the word in an offensive manner, and the rest of the world rightfully ignore the usage that is incorrect? > > If anything, I find it offensive that primacy is given to the usage adopted by a bunch of boorish white people over what would otherwise be a fairly natural usage. For many horrible slurs, there are contexts in which they are also accepted usage (even terms like ‘nigger’ are used and received without any perceived insult in some contexts), so I don’t suppose there’s a one-size-fits rule for how they should be handled. I’m genuinely surprised at the extent of contexts in which the term ‘paki’ _isn’t_ considered offensive - so I don’t intend to argue any further - ignorance fought - if anyone wishes to judge me on previous argument I made in this thread, please understand that in every context I have previously encountered the word, it was used with racist (often violently aggressive racist) intent. ---
**Author:** ![Full\_Tilt\_Boogie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/2acd7d/32.png) [@Full\_Tilt\_Boogie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Full_Tilt_Boogie)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/56 "2012-07-16T15:38:48Z")
Whilst it’s accepted [invariably, and certainly in the UK] that ‘Paki’ is a pejorative term, as others here have said, a lot of it comes down to context in which the term is being used; e.g. up until very recently, Australian cricket commentators on TV and radio routinely referred to the Pakistani cricket team as, ‘the Pakis’ (just as they refer to the New Zealand team as ‘the Kiwis’, and the West Indian team as ‘the Windies’)- as is the Australians’ penchant to contract or abbreviate any amount of its national verbiage. It’s worth noting, too, that in Pakistan, they freely toss the term around with regard to each other (in a similar way that black folks call each other ‘nigger’ - again, which can be either pejorative, or not, depending on the context in which it’s being used). ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/57 "2012-07-16T15:40:50Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > I disagree: **AK’s** perspective on this situation is straight-up educational, if possibly a little bit snarky. But the snark’s worth putting up with to get this information. Whatever. The snark ascribes motives not mine. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/58 "2012-07-16T15:42:50Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Can’t we all agree to focus our insults on the fat, ugly and stupid? Well, as long as you don’t mention me by name. ---
**Author:** ![Irishman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b487fb/32.png) [@Irishman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Irishman)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/59 "2012-07-16T15:50:12Z")
> [@Gagundathar](#): > > ‘Jew’ as a verb! That’s weird. Oh, but I guess you mean the same kind of thing some English people do when they use the word ‘Welsh’ as a verb. [aside]Honestly, I grew up hearing this word “welch”, like _to welch on a bet_, but I had no idea until a few years ago that it had any connection with _Welsh_. Same way I grew up innocent of the roots of the word in “that’s a _gyp_”. Hell, I didn’t even know how to spell _gyp_. Jip? That’s a funny word, but okay. [/aside] > [@Farmer\_Jane](#): > > I can’t believe anyone would really type “Paki” and not think it’s an insult. You can’t believe anyone could be unaware of how the UK uses the word as a slur, and so it just looks like a harmless abbreviation, like Aussies? Even people who don’t live in the UK? People who live in places with tiny if even existent Southern Asian communities, who don’t have any of the historical baggage? > [@VinylTurnip](#): > > As a generally lazy person, I regret that so many perfectly good short forms are rendered off-limits by their history of being said with a sneer. (Or in the case of “Jap,” by the fact that we went to war with them.) So do I. It’s sad, really. The problem isn’t the word _Paki,_ or _Jap_. It’s the prevalent attitude behind the use. Any word could be warped this way. “It’s the _special_ bus.” ---
**Author:** ![bldysabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecccb3/32.png) [@bldysabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bldysabba)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2012, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-paki-is-acceptable-to-use-then-what-other-slurs-are-nigger-spic-homo-jap/628375/60 "2012-07-16T15:55:23Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > Even though most of our users are based in the U.S., we have plenty of non-U.S. posters and this kind of problem comes up from time to time. Whose standard do we use? Like I said in my first post, I have moderated people for using “Paki” in a derogatory fashion and I’ll continue to do so when I think it’s necessary. But in the case of terms that have multiple connotations we have to consider the possibility that people who are using them are not deliberately being offensive. That’s not the case with most of the slurs listed in the thread title. We’ve had discussions like this about “Jap,” too - we had another one recently - and I also moderate people for using that one if they’re using it as a slur against Japanese people (as opposed to commenting on WWII-era attitudes, for example). 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. [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=2) [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=4)