Which slang words are inappropriate or offensive
Mastering German Slang: Speak Like a Local!: Which slang words are inappropriate or offensive
Slang words that are widely considered inappropriate or offensive generally fall into categories such as profanities, insults, ethnic slurs, derogatory terms related to gender, sexual orientation, mental health, and certain body or sexual references. Here are some key examples:
Profanities and Vulgar Slang
- Words like “fuck,” “shit,” “asshole,” “bastard,” “bitch,” “cock,” “pussy,” and other similar terms are considered vulgar and offensive in most contexts. 1, 2, 3, 4
Offensive Slurs and Derogatory Terms
- Ethnic and racial slurs like “kike,” “nigger,” “dago,” “wop,” “wog,” “yid,” and similar derogatory words are highly offensive and unacceptable. 5, 6, 7
- Derogatory terms related to sexual orientation and gender identity such as “poof,” and inappropriate terminology around transgender individuals (“transgendered,” “transwoman” used incorrectly) can be offensive. 8
Insulting Slang for People
- Insulting slang words that imply stupidity, laziness, or unpleasantness such as “idiot,” “dumbass,” “airhead,” “git,” “wanker,” “dickhead,” “prat,” “tool,” “scum,” “nutter,” and “freak” are often rude or offensive. 5
Words to Avoid in Professional or Polite Conversation
- Slang like “dude,” “chill,” “freakin’,” “crazy,” “dope,” “cool,” “nope,” or filler words like “like,” “um,” “ah” are considered informal and unprofessional, though not necessarily offensive. 9, 10
Other Words to Avoid Due to Sensitivity
- Words related to mental health conditions used casually or as insults (“psycho,” “OCD,” “bipolar”) are insensitive. 8
- Terms that are ableist, sexist, or that perpetuate stereotypes should also be avoided. 8
In summary, slang that targets or belittles protected characteristics (ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation), uses profane vulgarity, or insults others in a derogatory manner are inappropriate and offensive in most settings. Additionally, slang that may seem casual or humorous to some can still be offensive to others depending on context and audience. 6, 7, 1, 5, 8