CREDIT: NOMADSOUL1 / THINKSTOCK
Using the R-word is derogatory; make sure to think before you speak.

While walking through the halls of Fanshawe College or through the streets of London, there’s a good chance you may hear someone, or you yourself, use the R-word.

If you aren’t sure what the R-word is, it is retard, or any form of that word.

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word as, “To slow down the development or progress of (something).”

However, over the years, the meaning of this word has changed when used in social situations. This adjective, which was once used often as a medical term, is now used more frequently as derogatory slang.

The word ends up typically being used to describe something bad or stupid and thus carries a negative connotation along with it.

Jocelyn Tugwell is a graduate from Fanshawe College’s Disability Support Worker program and currently works as both an educational assistant with the Thames Valley District School Board and a personal support worker with the City of London.

During her time at Fanshawe, Tugwell learned, “It is not an appropriate word to use anymore. In the past it was used to describe people with physical and mental disabilities, but that is no longer the proper term to use.”

The Research and Policy Development Neighbourhood, Fire and Children’s Services with the City of London reported that in 2006, 21 per cent of London’s population was defined as having an activity limitation. This means that 73,000 people in London live with some form of a disability.

These are the people that are directly affected by the use of the R-Word. This word does not only affect people who live with disabilities but also their friends and families.

“Calling someone retarded or a retard can affect them because it then defines who they are and they are not their disability, they have a disability and there is a huge difference in that,” Tugwell explained.

The word is not only offensive when directed at a person who has a disability, but when it is used to describe anything.

Tugwell explained, “It becomes very negative because people don’t realize what it actually means and how it may offend someone that hears the word being used. If it is being used to describe someone or something, you may end up offending them even if you did not mean to.”

You never know who may have a relative or friend living with a disability and to them this word has a very upsetting and negative undertone.

When thinking about a social situation and if it is okay to say the R-Word, think again.

“There is never an appropriate time to use this word,” Tugwell said. “Before using the R-Word to describe something, take a minute to think about what exactly you are describing. Sometimes you may want to describe something that you think is stupid or dumb,” such as a test or lesson you had in class.

“These words may also offend someone, so again just take a second to think about what you are saying and how you may hurt someone by using the R-Word.”

Tugwell had a final suggestion if you ever hear someone you know using the word.

“I hear people saying this word a lot. If you are like me and dislike it as much as I do, try to educate people and they can then educate others.”

Sometimes it can be uncomfortable to bring up this topic if you hear someone using the word, but be kind and explain that it is a hurtful term.

“The more we try and stop this word and correct other people the less we will hear it.”