Slur

A slur is a derogatory or insulting remark, expression, or gesture that targets an individual or group based on their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or other personal characteristics. It is often intended to demean, offend, or incite hatred or discrimination. Slurs are typically offensive and can cause significant emotional distress and contribute to social inequality. They often involve prejudiced language or stereotypes, and the intent is to express contempt or hostility. Slurs can also refer to the act of speaking or pronouncing words unclearly or indistinctly, particularly when intoxicated.

Slur meaning with examples

• During the heated debate, the politician used a racial slur against his opponent, causing an uproar and condemnation from various communities. This use of a derogatory term to attack the other side of a political argument showed how destructive this kind of expression can be.
• The internet troll posted a series of messages containing homophobic slurs, spreading hateful rhetoric and inciting online harassment. This harmful behaviour caused distress and targeted a specific group of people based on their sexual orientation.
• He tried to apologize, but his speech was almost incomprehensible; he slurred his words so badly that she could barely understand what he was trying to say after the accident. This example references the pronunciation of words and its impact.
• The comedy show's use of ethnic slurs drew widespread criticism, with many viewers accusing the writers of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to a hostile environment. This example shows how jokes can be hurtful when a slur is used in a negative context.