• go $fsck yourself@lemmy.worldEnglish
    61·
    4 days ago

    That’s an example of a different scenario, where a single term changes in meaning. In the case for “man”, a separate term evolved. “Man” never stopped having the meaning of “humans as a whole”. Instead, it evolved a different meaning in certain contexts. “Man” also isn’t used as a slur, which makes using the word you chose as an example not equivalent.

    There’s just no need to push “man” in these kinds of context into being gendered when it’s not. Choosing to use another term is great, but it’s not great to impose onto others.

    • Microplasticbrain@lemm.ee
      44·
      4 days ago

      So words evolve unless they become slurs.

      Edit: Yea just terminate thought and downvote, very productive discussion. “Words change meaning unless we decide to ignore the new meaning of the word.”

      Im honestly just trying to have a conversation about this, because me and all my friends are progressive people, and none of us see the ‘r’ word as badly as it is perceived online. But whatever its cool, the slur treadmill continues, see you in 50 years when idiot becomes the “i” slur.