# Is "fundie" a pejorative?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266
**Category:** Great Debates
**Created:** [November 30, 2004, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266 "2004-11-30T02:39:43Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/1 "2004-11-30T02:39:43Z")
Simple question really, inspired by many a thread, including [this one](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=289086&highlight=fundie+pejorative).
Is the term “fundie” a pejorative? Can something be mainly, mostly, somewhat, slightly pejorative? Does it depend on context for some words? Does it depend on context for “fundie”?
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### Author:  [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/2 "2004-11-30T02:51:07Z")
I assume it must depend on context, but I’ve yet to see the word used in any way other than as a pejorative of varying intensity, depending on the user. I do use it that way, though I probably shouldn’t use it at all. Name-calling is a bad habit, but tough to break.
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### Author:  [@Syntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Syntropy)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/3 "2004-11-30T03:03:27Z")
While I certainly don’t intend the word as pejorative when I use it, I cannot see the word “fundamentalist” or “fundie” as having any good connotations. Fundamentalists see the world in black and white, and view any deviation from their rigid, narrow view of the world as evil.
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### Author:  [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/4 "2004-11-30T03:11:13Z")
I see the OP differently, Maureen. It isn’t whether or not being a fundamentalist is bad; it’s whether or not the word “fundie” is pejorative.
And my answer is that any abbreviation of a term designating ethnicity, national original, sexual preference or religious persuasion is going to be (more or less) negative. Using a slang/abbreviative term indicates a lack of respect.
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### Author:  [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/5 "2004-11-30T03:11:52Z")
> [@Maureen](#):
>
> While I certainly don’t intend the word as pejorative when I use it, I cannot see the word “fundamentalist” or “fundie” as having any good connotations. Fundamentalists see the world in black and white, and view any deviation from their rigid, narrow view of the world as evil.
So, you’re saying that any word that could be used to describe a “fundamentalist” will ultimately have a negative connotation for you, so the identity of the term itself is irrelevant? Am I getting it?
For me, “fundamentalist” would come out if I’m being polite; “fundie” when I’m not. I don’t distinguish between the two in meaning, but the more formal term seems inherently more polite.
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### Author:  [@Syntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Syntropy)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/6 "2004-11-30T03:23:19Z")
> [@jsc1953](#):
>
> I see the OP differently, Maureen. It isn’t whether or not being a fundamentalist is bad; it’s whether or not the word “fundie” is pejorative.
>
> And my answer is that any abbreviation of a term designating ethnicity, national original, sexual preference or religious persuasion is going to be (more or less) negative. Using a slang/abbreviative term indicates a lack of respect.
I understood the question. I’m sorry if I wasn’t clear enough. I don’t see “fundie” as a pejorative when I use it; to me it is short for fundamentalist. I just don’t see a lot of good associated with either word.
quote=jsgoddess]So, you’re saying that any word that could be used to describe a “fundamentalist” will ultimately have a negative connotation for you, so the identity of the term itself is irrelevant? Am I getting it?
[/quote]
Pretty much. I’ve met and talked with several fundamentalists (my oldest daughters live in Utah, and the ones I met there were self-described fundies). While there were some I met that were quite pleasant, they made it quite clear that I would not be accepted as a Christian unless I was converted to the true church, and even then, I may not be saved. In the words of one: “You seem like a very decent person; it really is a shame you’re going to hell.” :eek: There was no two ways about it; their way or the highway.
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### Author:  [@pervert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pervert)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/7 "2004-11-30T03:25:53Z")
> [@Maureen](#):
>
> […] the ones I met there were self-described fundies
Just so I’m clear. Self described fundies or self described fundamentalists?
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### Author:  [@Syntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Syntropy)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/8 "2004-11-30T03:27:31Z")
The young lady and gentleman in question used the term “fundie.” There was a young lady on this board I corresponded with on a regular basis who described herself as a “fundie.”
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### Author:  [@Syntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Syntropy)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/9 "2004-11-30T03:31:06Z")
Crud. Stupid, stupid submit key.
It seems to me that younger fundamentalists (the ones I have met, I can’t speak to all of them) actually prefer the term “fundie.” And, aside from their very narrow minded viewpoint when it came to religion, I quite enjoyed talking with them. They were unfailingly polite, civic minded people. Well spoken, intelligent; the kind of people I was proud to have my daughter associated with. But some of the things that came out of their mouths when it came to religion absolutely chilled me to the bone.
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### Author:  [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/10 "2004-11-30T03:33:35Z")
As it is used, yes, it is a pejorative. My biggest problem with the word is people without an in depth understanding concerning U.S. Christian Protestant denominations use the term to refer to many groups that are not by any realistic definition “fundamentalist.”
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### Author:  [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/11 "2004-11-30T03:40:27Z")
I consider it a pejorative in the same way that “white supremacist” is a pejorative. When I use either term, I intend to belittle the object of the term, because I find their sincerely-held beliefs to be reprehensible.
Daniel
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### Author:  [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/12 "2004-11-30T05:17:28Z")
It does seem to be one of the few, if not the only, pejorative that is premissible to use on this board. It is often used around here to designate anyone whose political opinions are informed by his or her religion. The truth is, there is a continuum of religious belief and I just can’t see how you draw the line and say “these folks are fundamentalists” and “these folks aren’t”. All religious belief involves faith and the suspension of reasoning-- some just more than others.
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### Author:  [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/13 "2004-11-30T05:54:13Z")
> [@](#):
>
> **Martin Hyde** : As it is used, yes, it is a pejorative. My biggest problem with the word is people without an in depth understanding concerning U.S. Christian Protestant denominations use the term to refer to many groups that are not by any realistic definition “fundamentalist.”
I’m not certain if I have used the term _fundie_ or not. If I did, more than likely, I was using it as an abbreviation rather than as a pejorative. I try not to generalize and stereotype, but I’m sure I’ve been guilty of it.
I have a reasonable understanding of U.S. Christian Protestant denominations. The teachings of the fundamentalists in my youth did not concern me. The attitudes of some of the same fundamentalist churches today _do_ concern me as do some of the newer denominations.
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### Author:  [@roger\_thornhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roger_thornhill)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 6:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/14 "2004-11-30T06:00:45Z")
> [@John Mace](#):
>
> All religious belief involves faith and the suspension of reasoning-- some just more than others.
Not sure I’d agree with that. Belief in God doesn’t require one to suspend reasoning per se. Many of the greatest scientists did, and do, believe in God. Faith and reasoning inhabit different realms and it’s quite possible to combine the two.
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### Author:  [@Ilsa\_Lund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ilsa_Lund)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/15 "2004-11-30T06:03:26Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#):
>
> I consider it a pejorative in the same way that “white supremacist” is a pejorative. When I use either term, I intend to belittle the object of the term, because I find their sincerely-held beliefs to be reprehensible.
>
> Daniel
DING DING DING! We have a winner. The word fundie _can_ be used in a non-pejorative context, either by fundamentalists to describe themselves (somewhat-kinda-not-really-at-all-like the modern use of “niggah”) or by participants in a discussion who wish to use shorthand, so as not to type out ‘fundamentalist’ every five minutes. But the majority of the time, it is used as a factual description that carries a negative connotation. Much like use of the specific ethnic background of a person as an insult, i.e. “Oh, you’re _Mexican_” or “Those Koreans, I mean really.”
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### Author:  [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/16 "2004-11-30T06:04:17Z")
> [@](#):
>
> **John Mace** : The truth is, there is a continuum of religious belief and I just can’t see how you draw the line and say “these folks are fundamentalists” and “these folks aren’t”.
I think a lot of people draw the line at Biblical literalists, but I could be making an assumption.
_Fundie_ isn’t the only pejorative that seems to be allowed. \*Cracker, white trash, yankee, yank, bitch, pinkos, Commies, lefties, righties, Pubbies, cowboy, \* and others **can** sometimes be used as pejoratives here.
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### Author:  [@JThunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JThunder)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/17 "2004-11-30T06:06:08Z")
> [@roger thornhill](#):
>
> Not sure I’d agree with that. Belief in God doesn’t require one to suspend reasoning per se. Many of the greatest scientists did, and do, believe in God. Faith and reasoning inhabit different realms and it’s quite possible to combine the two.
Indeed, if you read the Gospel of Matthew and the NT Epistles, you’ll see that they frequently appeal to reason as a means of persuasion. Matthew’s Gospel, for example, continually makes reference to fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
Now, one might argue (misguidedly, IMO) about the validity of Matthew’s logic, but the point remains – he most certainly did NOT expect people to forsake logic and espouse blind faith.
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### Author:  [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/18 "2004-11-30T07:28:54Z")
By some standards, I’m a fundamentalist C’tian. By other standards, I’m not. I don’t find “fundie” particularly offensive. However, a while back, I did coin the term “fundist” as an alternate non-perjorative abbreviation. It was used for a while by some & then dropped out of fashion. Feel free to try to get it going again.
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### Author:  [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/19 "2004-11-30T12:02:27Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#):
>
> Simple question really, inspired by many a thread, including [this one](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=289086&highlight=fundie+pejorative).
>
> Is the term “fundie” a pejorative? Can something be mainly, mostly, somewhat, slightly pejorative? Does it depend on context for some words? Does it depend on context for “fundie”?
No more so than ‘leftie’, which I don’t object to either. It may not be a hard and fast rule but for me if it refers to something like race or illness/handicap, something intrinsically unalterable, then it is pejorative. In the context of politics, discussion of opinions, then leftie, fundie, repug etc are all fair game rhetoric.
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### Author:  [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)
#### Post date: [November 30, 2004, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fundie-a-pejorative/277266/20 "2004-11-30T12:40:04Z")
Fundie and fundamentalist both carry heavy negative connotations in my mind. I wouldn’t use fundie as a way of mocking fundamentalists, it’s just easier to type. I’m not saying it’s not a pejorative, just that it’s no more of a pejorative than fundamentalist, AFAIC.
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