The word "retard" is a reminder to pilots to bring the thrust levers to idle during the landing maneuver, known as the "flare," just prior to touchdown. (computer voice announcement) -
I am a watchmaker. Countless MILLIONS of older mechanical watches have regulator bars on bridges marked “A” and “R”. They are European terms indicating “Advance” or “RETARD” when regulating the timing of the watch. “Retard” is one of hundreds of words, spelled and pronounced alike that have vastly different meanings in different languages.
The Chevrolet NOVA induced hysterical laughter in some countries where NOVA meant “Won’t run”.