With the internet I'd venture to say that a word can change meaning a lot more quickly than it used to.
Yes, and the change can travel more widely.
As to special, I tend to hear it used as a replacement for idiot, retard etc. so it has more bite than just condescension. Forgive me if you already know, it derives from "Special Educational Needs" a UK term which entitles a child to specific help at school or college. For example, a laptop and printer, extra time in exams and help with reading textbooks to enable a child to cope with dyslexia. Although the term covers all the various problems that a student can have to cope with the one that people have latched onto is slow learning. (And I've just realised, that shows my age. I don't think "slow learners" exist any more.)
I rather like cretin as a word (don't ask me why - I just like the sound of it)
It does derive from Christian, and was intended to remind people that those with a thyroid deficiency are still human beings and should be treated as such.
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Date: 2011-02-04 11:50 am (UTC)Yes, and the change can travel more widely.
As to special, I tend to hear it used as a replacement for idiot, retard etc. so it has more bite than just condescension. Forgive me if you already know, it derives from "Special Educational Needs" a UK term which entitles a child to specific help at school or college. For example, a laptop and printer, extra time in exams and help with reading textbooks to enable a child to cope with dyslexia. Although the term covers all the various problems that a student can have to cope with the one that people have latched onto is slow learning. (And I've just realised, that shows my age. I don't think "slow learners" exist any more.)
I rather like cretin as a word (don't ask me why - I just like the sound of it)
It does derive from Christian, and was intended to remind people that those with a thyroid deficiency are still human beings and should be treated as such.