this post was submitted on 16 Sep 2024
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[–] [email protected] 26 points 1 month ago

Does the term describe yourself? If not, you haven't reclaimed it.

[–] [email protected] 23 points 1 month ago

If you have to ask, probably don't use it.

[–] [email protected] 20 points 1 month ago

Language is constantly evolving. There is no clear line. New words are added, meanings change, and it depends on the intent of the speaker too.

However as a mater of practice I choose to never assume it has been reclaimed. It's always possible that someone hasn't received the update.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 month ago

If you're not part of the group, then don't use it. I'd say maybe the only exception is "queer". I'm fine with people using queer to describe their friends and family who are queer. Not everyone is OK with it though, but it's pretty common. With queer, don't use it unless the person you're talking to self identifies as queer.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 month ago

You don't.

As much as we might like to say terms can be reclaimed the judge of that is the listener... you need to comprehend how all the people you're talking to or who hear your words repeated will feel about it - just avoid derogatory terms.

[–] python 6 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Has that ever actually worked? Cause I know no examples of universally "reclaimed" words. Just some that are fine if you strictly use them to refer to yourself.

[–] [email protected] 22 points 1 month ago (1 children)

"Queer" is probably the only one that has (mostly?) been.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

Yeah, it's now a term that people request they be referred to as by others, not just in group.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

When you see someone write it on the back of their jacket and saying β€œit’s cool, we’re taking it back” whenever someone calls it out.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago

My grandmother had the utmost respect for Jewish people.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago

reclaimed or nullified?