Pretty old thread that I am just now discovering, but I believe it is mostly intended to be an insult, and that it associates certain traits (gay, autistic) as being negative, and just a lazy synonym for "flat-out stupid, dumb, lame, boring, etc."

However, despite my knowledge of how others may view certain words, I still use those words. Because I can. because when I want to, I will not be censored just to pander to other people's delicate sensibilities. Fuck off, I say.

But I get very bothered by those who take offense with the term "retarded." It's not the same derogatory word as "retard," and some people haven't gotten that straight. When I say something's retarded, I literally mean that there is an air, a waft, an aura, if you will, of slow development or an under-developed idea, function, etc. behind it. As in I know the fucking meaning of this word, and I am using it correctly, even if you find it offensive. Now go fuck off and read a dictionary.

Sorry for the hate behind my semi-quasi-pseudo-intellectual reply.