Phlip’s incorrect use of “gay” is exactly what I was getting at, in a roundabout sort of way. Even though the politician in question used “niggardly” in the proper context, his choice of words was flawed, as was his judgement. Ditto for our man Phlip - his use of “gay” in the wrong context went over like a fart in church. What I was trying to say was that even when the intentions are harmless, things can still be taken the wrong way. (although in Phlip’s case, it’s hard to find a right way to take it.)
As for the name-calling - isn’t the next step generally a plea to the mods to close the thread? Or am I missing one? That’s my bet… :wally
Earthworm, the issue is not so much Phlip’s orginal use of the word “gay” in a perjorative context . The issue is his continuing to use the word in that way and defend his right to do so after having been informed that such use is offensive to many people within this community. His response was not “I’m sorry, this is a word we use all the time in my social group without meaning anything negative by it and I simply didn’t realise my use of it in this manner could be offensive”.
To give you a direct parallel. “FOB” (it’s an acronym for “fresh off the boat”) used to be a highly offensive term in Australia. It was very MUCH intended as an insult. It’s a term which is used without any rancour whatsoever at my kids’ schools, and it’s one with which people proudly self-identify. Our schools in this area are comprised (loosely) of “Skips”, “Lebs”, and “FOBs”.
Using those very same terms an hour’s train ride from here would (quite literally) lead to physical violence, however innocent the intent behind their use.
The fact that usage of a word is acceptable in one community doesn’t in one context make it’s use acceptable in other communities. If acceptability within one community was a defence, then we’d al be able to come in here sprouting KKK hate-speech. You might have noticed that Klantalk isn’t acceptable here no matter WHERE else it might be accepted.
I once took exceptional offence to another poster’s use of a term which included “inbred”. I even got told to back off by a mod. What became quite clear in the email discussions which followed is that words can have powerfully different meanings in different communites. What people do with the knowledge that their particular usage of a term or a phrase has offended others is entirely up to them.
Quite clearly, the OP’s preference is to flounce, or sashay out of here in high drama queen fashion proclaiming victimisation.
Au contraire, Phlip. I recognize your name. And I can’t say I’m at all suprised that your OP has led to this. IIRC, in the past you’ve started Pit threads in which you acknowledged the likely unpopularity of your opinions and/or the likeliness of your being flamed over them. And I know for a fact people have tried to explain to you why your opinions were wrong. Haven’t you learned anything at all from those experiences? Haven’t you learned anything at all from your year here at the SDMB?
Trust me, punching in a witty reply won’t be a problem for you.
How wonderful that you don’t care that you offend people. Yes, that’s certainly something to be proud of! Please, make sure you offend as many people as possible in any given day - it makes life so much more pleasant for you and those around you! Intentional insults are what smoothly greases the wheels of civilized society.
Ah, but you care just enough to start a Pit thread about me. I’m touched. I think I may cry.
Finally, a kernel of truth amongst your blatherings. I knew eventually things would turn around for you. Good show!
Oh, I will - truly. Deeply. You have no idea.
Yes, we all know what a bad thing that would be - thank goodness we have you, Phlip, champion of offensiveness and proud purveyor of ignorance.
How refreshing it is to see a pathetic, abrasive little troll with a realization of his own worth.
Please keep in mind; even if you were gay, we’d think you’re an asshole. Assholes come in all colors, shapes, denominations, orientations, and sizes, and you, Phlip, are an asshole. If you get banned, it won’t be for anything noble like “crossing a line” or being “offensive” or “excessive martyrdom”; it’ll be because you’re a jerk.
Jeez Esprix, if you really wanted to do vanity searches you totally fucked up when you named the “Ask The Gay Guy” threads - not one of those words is searchable.
Okay, all right! Crucify me! I’ll go willingly! You’ll never have to see me around these parts again!
Oh, could you use slightly smaller nails? And, is a cross really necessary? Couldn’t it be, you know, kind of an A-Frame? Padded, maybe, with a little pillow? Could I have a glass of water, I’m dying up here…
Ooo, ooo! I had a brainstorm (and it hurt. Brain lightning is not your friend)! Since Phlip is so okay with
I propose a new slang term. Yes, I know that slang isn’t something that gets proposed and voted on, but in light of this thread, well, I think “to phlip” should become a new euphemism for gay sex. That’d be the aforementioned assfucking, in case anyone’s keeping score. Just think of the uses! “Hey, you wanna go out back and phlip?” And, of course, there would be no offense at all meant to Phlip. If he has a problem with it, well, we’re not sorry.
And, by the by, I’m not a member of the Clique. In fact, it’s entirely probable that no one reading this thread has even read another of my posts. Oh, and I’m not gay, either. So, you see, it’s not so much that we’re all banded together under the rainbow flag, it’s just that you’re being that much of an offensive jackass.
There aren’t enough Godiva chocolates in the world to grant the OP’s requests.
BTW, I think we did pretty well to get dud as a new Clique™ codeword. it’s right up there with “gotcha ya” and “og smash”, but only if used in a politically correct, non-negative manner among a socially cohesive demographic…
Slight hijack: Dirty Earthworm, with all due respect, I totally disagree with you equating “niggardly” with the word “gay”.
It’s a completely different animal. “Gay” is a word that over the years has come to take on a popular meaning a bit different from the original definition. “Niggardly” is a perfectly good word that has been coopted into a racial slur because some people are fucking idiots.
You said that we shouldn’t use niggardly around people who might misconstrue the meaning. I say bullshit! I refuse to be labeled a racist because somebody thinks niggardly somehow relates to “nigger” just because the words sound alike.
I do have a somewhat niggardly gay buddy, and he agrees.
Phlip, I’m sorry to be the one to inform that, as it turns out, the SDMB does not operate on the same principles as either the Jerry Springer Show or the Lakeview Junior High 5th period lunch tables. Loudly proclaiming one’s ignorance and shameful viewpoints is not a badge of raw individualism; it is just sad, offensive, and breath-takingly stupid.
I just wanted to say that. So, Esprix, I really want to know, too- how do you pronounce your name? I’m sorta haunted by this now- please tell us.
I would also like to apply to the Big Alien Brain to be a defender of the universe, too. Also, I have heard of this Clique™ and am interested in receiving your brochure. Would membership give me the ability to make the ™ show up in exponent-fashion next to words I type?
I feel a pressing need to do this. I am looking for some sort of gratifying attention here. I feel it to be unfair and discrimminatory that only such wet slabs of assmeat as Phlip get all the air-time. I demand equal time for the mundane and well-mannered!!!
