it was retarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was retarded" is grammatically correct but considered offensive and outdated in contemporary usage.
It can be used in informal contexts to describe something as foolish or nonsensical, but it is advisable to avoid it due to its derogatory implications. Example: "The idea he proposed was so poorly thought out, it was retarded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In line with the experimental evidence, homogeneous ignition of the H2/O2 mixture was predicted to occur above 650∘C (though it was retarded by the presence of the surface reaction), while this did not occur for the CO/O2 mixture (only heterogeneously consumed).

Chemical Engineering Science

After a few rounds of arguing we both apologized, said it was retarded, and he agreed to pass along any offers he received for it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's called Hair Burners and, in the words of its hotshot writer and director/fashion photographer Ned Ambler, it is "retarded".

Vice

"It's retarded," she says, burying her head in Caity's shoulder.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I think it's retarded," Flacco was reported to have said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is retarded by the viscous force, as expressed by the Langevin equation.

Electrochimica Acta

He's amassed such a volume of work it's retarded.

Vice

And having them sleep in bed with us while we drink wine and watch 30 Rock on Netflix and laughing at how he dances when the theme song comes on is not just wrong it's retarded.

Vice

This is important because it is retarded linear growth rather than wasting in the first two years that has the strongest association with infant/young child morbidity/mortality and with non-communicable disease later in life.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

They thought I was retarded.

The New Yorker

This is probably because I'm retarded. .

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "it was retarded" in formal or professional settings due to its offensive connotations. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "it was foolish" or "it was absurd".

Common error

Be mindful of your audience and the context when using the phrase "it was retarded". In many situations, it's best to choose a less offensive alternative to avoid causing offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was retarded" functions as a predicate nominative, where "retarded" is an adjective describing the subject "it." As Ludwig AI indicates, this is grammatically correct but offensive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was retarded" is grammatically sound but flagged by Ludwig AI as potentially offensive and outdated. While it can be used informally to express that something is foolish or nonsensical, using it is highly discouraged due to its derogatory implications. Ludwig examples reveal usage across News & Media and Science, but the overall scarcity and the strong negative connotation suggest steering clear of this phrase in favor of safer alternatives like "it was foolish" or "it was absurd", which achieve a similar meaning without risking offense. Prioritize sensitivity and clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was foolish

This alternative offers a less offensive way to describe something as silly or unwise.

it was absurd

This alternative emphasizes the nonsensical or unreasonable nature of something.

it was idiotic

This alternative implies a lack of intelligence or thoughtfulness.

it was senseless

This alternative highlights the lack of logic or reason behind something.

it was asinine

This alternative suggests extreme foolishness or stupidity.

it was ludicrous

This alternative emphasizes the ridiculous and laughable quality of something.

it was moronic

This alternative directly implies a very low level of intelligence.

it was unintelligent

This alternative is a more formal and polite way to express a lack of intelligence.

it was backward

This alternative implies a lack of progress or sophistication.

it was ignorant

This alternative suggests a lack of knowledge or awareness.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it was retarded"?

You can use alternatives like "it was foolish", "it was absurd", or "it was idiotic" depending on the context.

Is "it was retarded" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "it was retarded" is grammatically correct. However, the word "retarded" is considered offensive and outdated. While grammatically sound, its usage is highly discouraged in contemporary contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "it was retarded"?

Due to its offensive nature, it is generally not appropriate to use "it was retarded" in any context. There are numerous less offensive alternatives that can convey the same meaning without causing harm or offense.

What's the origin of the negative connotation of the word "retarded"?

The word "retarded" was once used as a medical term for individuals with intellectual disabilities. However, it has since become a derogatory term used to insult or demean others, contributing to the negative connotation it carries today.