this post was submitted on 05 Apr 2026
668 points (98.3% liked)
Science Memes
19777 readers
2643 users here now
Welcome to c/science_memes @ Mander.xyz!
A place for majestic STEMLORD peacocking, as well as memes about the realities of working in a lab.
Rules
- Don't throw mud. Behave like an intellectual and remember the human.
- Keep it rooted (on topic).
- No spam.
- Infographics welcome, get schooled.
This is a science community. We use the Dawkins definition of meme.
Research Committee
Other Mander Communities
Science and Research
Biology and Life Sciences
- !abiogenesis@mander.xyz
- !animal-behavior@mander.xyz
- !anthropology@mander.xyz
- !arachnology@mander.xyz
- !balconygardening@slrpnk.net
- !biodiversity@mander.xyz
- !biology@mander.xyz
- !biophysics@mander.xyz
- !botany@mander.xyz
- !ecology@mander.xyz
- !entomology@mander.xyz
- !fermentation@mander.xyz
- !herpetology@mander.xyz
- !houseplants@mander.xyz
- !medicine@mander.xyz
- !microscopy@mander.xyz
- !mycology@mander.xyz
- !nudibranchs@mander.xyz
- !nutrition@mander.xyz
- !palaeoecology@mander.xyz
- !palaeontology@mander.xyz
- !photosynthesis@mander.xyz
- !plantid@mander.xyz
- !plants@mander.xyz
- !reptiles and amphibians@mander.xyz
Physical Sciences
- !astronomy@mander.xyz
- !chemistry@mander.xyz
- !earthscience@mander.xyz
- !geography@mander.xyz
- !geospatial@mander.xyz
- !nuclear@mander.xyz
- !physics@mander.xyz
- !quantum-computing@mander.xyz
- !spectroscopy@mander.xyz
Humanities and Social Sciences
Practical and Applied Sciences
- !exercise-and sports-science@mander.xyz
- !gardening@mander.xyz
- !self sufficiency@mander.xyz
- !soilscience@slrpnk.net
- !terrariums@mander.xyz
- !timelapse@mander.xyz
Memes
Miscellaneous
founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
I was an AuDHD kid in the 90s. That specific word was thrown at me a lot by both adults and my peers, especially because I lose the ability to speak when I'm stressed/overstimulated. I guess it still hurts when I hear it or read it, and going off this thread that's a "me" problem. Definitely regret posting my original comment
Yeah back in the 90s it was still in use in some diagnostic criteria, even though it was already considered dated then. These days I don't think it's used in a medical capacity anywhere anymore.
I don't think it's solely a you problem as many people do consider the term too offensive to use, but it is one of those words the jury is divided on, with just as many people using it nonchalantly. I expect over time it'll be no different from moron or idiot.
Not only has a medical term, it was used in regards to spoilation of food, for instance they might say that they added a toxic preservative to excuse the phrase, Retard the spoilation of the food. Turns out the toxic preservatives are very bad. Who knew? Besides for all of us.