offensive slur

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offensive slur" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a term or phrase that is derogatory or insulting towards a particular group of people. Example: "The comedian faced backlash for using an offensive slur during his performance, which many found unacceptable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

To me that sounds like an offensive slur.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Some seriously claimed that "Tolkie" was an offensive slur.

The Guardian

It was an offensive slur, said firefighters, who had shown bravery, saved lives and witnessed horrors.

The Guardian

"There's no more challenge to make," said Jesse A. Witten, an attorney representing Native Americans, who view the team name as a deeply offensive slur.

The Washington Post

"The suggestion that Cara's relationship with a woman is because she has a 'stubborn idea' that 'only women will accept her' is ridiculous misogyny and an offensive slur against lesbian and bisexual women.

Independent

Another pointed out that the use of "ching chong" is a lazy, albeit offensive, slur.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

How would you feel if a magazine that celebrated colonialism in Rhodesia and used offensive slurs and phrases like "rape swagger" was distributed around your workplace?

Independent

When brain injuries or tumors render people speechless, they sometimes still swear, while Tourette's syndrome can cause uncontrollable shouting of offensive slurs and obscenities.

The New York Times - Books

Wyatt said Barnett's comments were, "one of the most offensive slurs on a group of people I have ever seen".

The Guardian

But regardless of the setting in which the remarks are made, there is a recent history of people in sports using offensive slurs against gays and being punished for it.

The New York Times - Sports

From "The Associated Press Stylebook": "We do not use obscenities, racial epithets or other offensive slurs in stories unless they are part of direct quotations and there is a compelling reason for them".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always provide context when discussing an "offensive slur", explaining why it is considered offensive and to whom.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "offensive slur" as a generic descriptor. Instead, specify the slur and the group it targets for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offensive slur" functions as a descriptor, typically used to identify a word or phrase considered derogatory and hurtful. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. The examples show it describing specific instances of harmful language.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "offensive slur" is a descriptor used to identify language considered derogatory and hurtful. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered correct. While the phrase itself is usable in written English, it's crucial to provide context and specificity when discussing such sensitive topics, as using the term without qualification can lead to ambiguity. Ludwig's examples demonstrate that "offensive slur" is commonly used in news and media when reporting on incidents involving discriminatory language. Alternatives like "derogatory term" or "insulting remark" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When writing, always aim for clarity and precision to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

derogatory term

Replaces "offensive" with a more neutral synonym and focuses on the nature of the term.

insulting remark

Shifts the focus from the type of word to the act of insulting.

pejorative expression

Uses a more formal and technical term to describe the negative connotation.

disparaging comment

Highlights the belittling nature of the statement.

hurtful epithet

Emphasizes the emotional impact and the use of a descriptive term.

slighting insinuation

Focuses on the indirect and subtle nature of the insult.

contemptuous word

Highlights the feeling of contempt conveyed by the word.

abusive language

Broadens the scope to include any form of verbal abuse.

hateful speech

Emphasizes the hateful intent behind the words.

inflammatory statement

Focuses on the potential to provoke anger or violence.

FAQs

How to use "offensive slur" in a sentence?

You can use "offensive slur" to describe a word or phrase that is derogatory and hurtful, such as, "The politician was criticized for using an "offensive slur" against the immigrant community".

What can I say instead of "offensive slur"?

You can use alternatives like "derogatory term", "insulting remark", or "pejorative expression" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "offensive slur" or "racial slur"?

"Offensive slur" is a broader term that can apply to any slur, while "racial slur" specifically refers to slurs targeting race. The correct choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "offensive slur" and "hate speech"?

"Offensive slur" refers to a specific derogatory term, while "hate speech" encompasses a broader range of expressions that promote violence or discrimination against a group.