Read this slowly. According to the website Webster Definitions, the word “retarded” is described as a noun; a person who is mentally and intellectually slow. Understand it? Some people don’t. Most use it in other situations, incorrectly and offensively, but they can’t stop because there are so many ways to use it and say it. Our lack of knowledge of the word is causing a bad reputation on our society.

The real definition is said to be used as a diagnosis, however; many abuse it to describe other things. “Retarded” can be an exclamation describing a bad situation. For example, if someone made a mistake regarding a test or cooking, let’s say, then they may refer to the mistake as “retarded.” I can’t emphasize enough how many times my cheerleading coach has called one of us retarded for missing a count or not hitting a stunt. This brings me to the point of being offensive. One of my teammates has two autistic siblings in her family, and although autism isn’t directly related to being a retard, she still gets offended. It’s not a word that should be thrown around as if no one cares. A better substitute in this situation could be dumb or stupid and although these still aren’t nice words, they are less offensive.

An uncommon way of using retarded, other than its true definition, is when being amazed. For instance, if a good song comes on the radio or someone gets good news they may refer to the song or situation as “retarded.” The assortment of misapplications is not the only reason why this word sticks in people’s heads.

Numerous individuals can connect to the word and can get very insulted when they hear “retarded” used the wrong way.However, the majority of individuals are not personally offended by the word and its common uses. This allows them to overuse the word as much as they want in situations.

The everlasting variations of saying the word can be so addicting. Re-Ra, Re-Re, Re and Tard are all common uses of the word, and they’re so easy to say that it just stays in your head. It could also be the good sound of the double “R” or all of the vowels, but no matter what reason, this inappropriate misuse of the word is not going away anytime soon.

There are so many words and phrases that our society abuses, which have given us a harsh reputation. These words such as gay, faggot, queer and retard are overused and put labels on people who don’t deserve them. This not only offends the victims, but they embarrass them, as well. You’d think these words would become hackneyed overtime because they are so overused, but their significance trumps that. Now, our society’s reputation has plundered to being impudent. The multiple uses of the word and the various ways of saying it contribute to the long lasting effect on society. Retarded is a word that stands out and can now put a label on our society that we are very judgmental and uncivil. In fact, by using the wrong definition, I’m calling the misused word “retarded”…retarded.