Why It's Perfectly Okay to Use "Retarded" as an Everyday Adjective

When many people hear the word "retarded" used as a descriptive term, they immediately assume that the speaker is implying that the person or thing being described is mentally retarded.  This is not the case.  The word "retarded" refers to a delay in development of any kind.  Therefore, a person could be socially retarded (by saying stupid shit while very, very drunk on Friday night) or physically retarded (by being unable to whistle).  A traffic signal could be retarded (by staying red for a really long time).  Pajamas and halloween costumes are frequently described as flame-retardant, meaning that they slow the development of flames or fire.  So remember, when you take offense to the use of "retarded" as an adjective, you are being semantically retarded.  Do not assume that the speaker is implying mental retardation.  For the love of God, use your brain to discern to what the speaker is referring and in what way it could be developmentally delayed.

This picture is an example of aesthetic retardation.