Special Olympics aims at ending the derogatory use of the "r-word"

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I'm a pediatrician. Dealing with developmentally delayed and mentally retarded (there's a difference) is a part of my job. When I'm at the hospital, writing a progress note in which I write "8 y/o patient with MR and quadraplegic spastic cerebral palsy with history of repeated hospitalizations for respiratory distress" is a medically accurate and relevant comment. I would be miffed if a patient's family resented me putting "MR" in my notes.

Given that, it's a part of my vocabulary. This isn't that big of deal to me. I'm with KSig on this one, it's an accurate statement when describing the afflicted. It's not the word that's offensive but tone and context, if said as a way to hurt someone, I might understand. I don't think it's offensive when said amongst friends either though.