> Be kind. Don't be snarky. Have curious conversation; don't cross-examine. Please don't fulminate. Please don't sneer, including at the rest of the community. [1]
Put this way: if you didn't use that swearword, I'd have upvoted you. With the swearword, I can't.
> Please respond to the strongest plausible interpretation of what someone says, not a weaker one that's easier to criticize. Assume good faith.
The word is slang, but it's described by multiple dictionaries with multiple meanings, and many include a definition that relates to people regardless of gender, based on their actions or behaviour:
> Used as a disparaging term for a person one dislikes or finds extremely disagreeable.
> offensive slang a mean or obnoxious person
> (a contemptuous term used to refer to an unpleasant person.)
It's funny that you didn't worry the comment where I referred to the exact same company/people/activity as "a bunch of pricks". Coincidentally, that phrase can relate to genitals as slang too, but it has other slang definitions... I wonder if these look familiar.
> A person considered to be mean or contemptible, especially a man.
> a nasty, obnoxious, or contemptible person.
Also, I can't help but notice that you replied to a comment where I highlighted the irony of a post complaining about me calling a company/CEO who undertook indefensibly scummy tactics "cunts", by suggesting that I "come off as a tosser".
What's the definition of that word...
> a stupid or despicable person
I didn't see you admonishing that poster for insulting someone else.
The original comment was clearly directed at a company, and those within said company responsible for specific actions.
If you're one of those people: I stand by what I said. The people who thought that idea up, and followed it through, are cunts, or pricks, or yes, even tossers.
If you're not any of those people, why the fuck do you care what I call them?
The world has enough problems without people getting offended on behalf of asshole CEOs and yes-men or yes-women reporting to them, because someone called them a rude word.
I used the word "tosser" -- intentionally ironically -- because it comes from the same general subculture that allows "cunt" as a socially-acceptable word. However, "tosser" is an equal-opportunity epithet. It does not single out any meaningful group. Note also that I did not call you a tosser, I said that you might come off as one. We all do sometimes. But there's a difference.
I actually added that word intentionally. To sort of lighten things, but also to make something of a point. Too subtle, perhaps.
I don't know where you're from, but "cunt" is not in the mainstream in most of the English-speaking world. I don't personally believe that words are magic, but when used as an epithet, that word is an oppressive, offensive, sexist, misogynist projection of some really ugly stuff.
I suspect you know that (how could you not?), and don't care. Bully for you.
Assuming that you are not ill-intentioned, then maybe it's worth asking -- is it surprising to you that two words with similar literal/denotative definitions might have different meanings and effects in practical/connotative usage?
Regarding your recitation of guidelines. Come on, I was civil and pointed out that your usage was not appropriate. The only good faith interpretation of your usage is that you might be a member of a small subculture in which the word is not inappropriate. I acknowledged that, and pointed out that you should still be aware that HN is not a part of that culture.
I don't think I'm getting through here, so I think I'm done. But we're not talking about Comodo, so if that was your goal, maybe your approach was imperfect.
