• MisterFrog@lemmy.world
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      16 hours ago

      Because you’re the first person I’ve ever encountered, and I’m willing to bet the last, who’s offended by this word.

      If things change, as language does, and your position gains any traction, and the word really does start to mean what you alone think it currently means, then I will happily stop. Currently the implications you’re asserting exist with its use, simply don’t for the vast majority of its users.

      This isn’t anything like pronouns, or names, which are personal, I’m happy to call people anything that makes them happy.

      This is a meaning of a word, and language is constantly evolving. It’s used to communicate, and I’m not going to stop using a word because one rando on the internet has decided it means something no one else thinks it means.

      For real, stop being offended by something simply because of historical meanings.

      Next minute you’re going to be mad about me using the word “enthusiast” because it had negative connotations in the 1600s, or whatever other random example you can think of.

        • MisterFrog@lemmy.world
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          10 hours ago

          It is negative, but it’s not insulting based on someone’s sexuality! (Edit: I’m assuming you’re referring to narcissist, not enthusiast)

          • Muad'dib@sopuli.xyz
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            7 hours ago

            WHY is it insulting to call someone a Greek asexual boy?

            Because people spent thousands of years hating that teenage boy for not putting out.

            • MisterFrog@lemmy.world
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              6 hours ago

              I am aware of the historical origin. I did not previously in all honesty, so at least thanks for making me aware, I do rather enjoy etymology. However, this word no longer has these connotations which you’re taking offence over.

              I’m sorry that the origin of this word is painful for you, but no one is intending harm toward you or intending to degrade your sexuality by using this word.

              People use it to describe someone who’s being negligently self-centred and unempathetic. People simply don’t associate it with sexuality, at all.

              I understand because of your personal circumstances, and no doubt real discrimination you’ve faced, this word is a sore point for you.

              However, if it’s any consolation, for this one word in particular, you do not have to be sore, the meaning of the word has changed since it’s origin.

              You can either accept that or not.