[Tax Government]

The problem is not with the word, but with the gratuitous contempt and lack of respect it implies, when used as an insult.

[psjones]

Thank you, you get it. My son is mentally retarded, and it makes me cringe when I see people use the word ‘retard’ to insult others.

[x]

The problem is not with the word, but with the gratuitous contempt and lack of respect it implies, when used as an insult.

Well said. Once a word becomes a schoolyard insult, people are going to find it objectionable. That's not political correctness, just good manners.