The American Association of Mental Retardation describes an intellectual disability as “a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, which covers many everyday social and practical skills.”

In addition, WebMD states that, “the terms gay and lesbian have been adopted by a large number of self-identified homosexual individuals as preferred ways of referring to their gender orientation as well as to the culture they have developed as an alternative to mainstream straight.”

If that is so, why do high school students use the words “gay” and “retarded” as derogatory terms to refer to something displeasing?

“Using those words are really mean and offensive; people shouldn’t use them that way,” said freshman Clara Laza. I couldn’t agree more. There are simply much better words to use: stupid, ludicrous, foolish, idiotic, inane, “wack;” the list goes on.

To use the words “gay” and “retarded” to insult something would be to imply that there is something wrong with someone who is a homosexual or has mental disabilities.

Many campaigns have been made to ban the use of words like “gay,” “lame,” and retarded.” One of these is the “Speak Out” campaign to promote gay rights, as well the “Spread the Word To End the Word” campaign sponsored by the Special Olympics and Best Buddies International, which uses a series of methods, such as text messages, t-shirts sales, and actual meetings, to get the message of banning the use of the word “retarded.”

Some students, nevertheless, are rather apathetic about the words and their meanings. “I don’t have a problem [with using the words]; I think people overreact too much,” said Brett Woodson, 12, when asked how he feels about the terms being used offensively.

A lot of students, in addition, find it humorous to proclaim themselves as gay—happy.

This is because the Online Etymology Dictionary points out that the word gay first came into use during the 12th century, and meant “happy,” or “merry.” However, it was in the 1970s when the word came to be used with a homosexual connotation.

The word “retarded” comes from the Latin word “tardus” which means “slow.” It is uncertain when exactly the word started being used as a derogatory term; however, it is commonly used this way nowadays, especially with teens that are sometimes ignorant of the offensiveness of the word.

With a new understanding the distasteful nature of the terms, people should make a genuine effort to stop using them in an insulting manner.