Everyday conversation is essential to several aspects of life such as maintaining relationships (business and personal), building trust and credibility and creating a pleasurable experience for yourself and others. It comes as no surprise therefore that conversation skills are one of the most basic skills needed to function well in everyday society. One of the most important conversation skills for you to have is the ability to avoid using offensive or hurtful language. This becomes especially difficult when you are not aware that the words you use are actually considered hurtful. Slang words and colloquialisms commonly used by the younger generation can also be unknowingly offensive. To assist with this confusion, here are a few common words or phrases which you may or may not know are actually hurtful.
Rather than using the word 'black', it might be more practical to label them by ethnicity instead, for example, African American.
1. "Gay"
This word doesn't mean 'happy' anymore. It is more renowned as a word synonymous with homosexuals. In a society where it is already difficult enough for these people to fit in, it doesn't help when the word 'gay' is now used to describe a stupid or unfortunate situation. Everyday we can hear people say: "I hate this museum, it's so gay." When used in the wrong circumstance, 'gay' can be incredibly offensive especially around homosexuals. They probably don't appreciate hearing that they are being used to describe something boring or underwhelming.2. "Retarded"
This word is commonly used to describe a situation that is crazy or doesn't make sense, e.g.: "That exam was so retarded." It is easy to forget that there are mentally challenged people out there. Mentally retarded people and their loved ones would certainly not appreciate hearing themselves compared to something that is considered crazy or unintelligible. These people struggle through life and out of respect, the 'R' word is best kept out of your everyday vocabulary.3. "It was just a joke"
If a person has trouble tolerating whatever you just said, chances are they won't believe you say you weren't serious. No matter how close you are as friends or family, if you make an offensive comment and expect them to take it as a joke, it might be a little to much to ask. Although you may have had good intentions, it always pays to be careful about what you say out loud, especially if you know the person is a little bit sensitive.4. "Never mind, you don't get it"
Nobody likes being left out of the loop, and used in the wrong context, this can make it sound like you left the person out on purpose. Although you may have only meant for it to be a quick dismissal of a subject, it could come off as rude and flippant, which destroys relationships rather than maintains them. Next time try providing an explanation, no matter how brief.5. "This makes me want to kill myself"
You probably only meant it as a figure of speech, however in certain situations, for example, around a person who has experienced the loss of a loved one through suicide, it can create a very awkward situation. Since you never really know these details about every person you happen to talk to, it might be best to avoid using this phrase altogether.6. "I feel so bipolar today"
Being bipolar isn't as simple as having a tiny mood swing throughout a day. Mental disorders are stressful and complicated, way beyond the understanding of a person without a mental disability. Certain people, perhaps with bipolar loved ones can be easily offended by your choice of using the word. Without a thorough understanding of the term, it might be worth considering another term to describe your moods on a crazy day.7. "You're adopted"
There should be no good reason to use this phrase in conversation with someone obviously not adopted. It becomes an issue when you use the phrase in inappropriate situations. For example: "You are nothing like your siblings. It's like you're adopted or something." A person with a good sense of humor probably wouldn't mind too much, however some people are less humorous and would potentially be offended at this statement. These kinds of assumptions, regardless of intention, can be dangerous in conversation.8. "You_____like a girl"
Girls around the word, especially feminists, find this statement incredibly insulting. Statements such as: "You walk like a girl" are usually said with intentions to insult. While it can be argued that it was meant as a joke, especially towards a very good friend or family member, it can also be rude if used in the wrong situation with the wrong crowd.9. "Black"
It is controversial, however while you may have only intended to point out the color of their skin, some people are sensitive about the use of the word. They may feel as though it marginalizes them into a minority and it either offend them or makes the, uncomfortable.Rather than using the word 'black', it might be more practical to label them by ethnicity instead, for example, African American.