Support NeoGAF

[akira28]

was this an irony troll beg? Like they know that the racist connotation wasn't the included or implied so they did it themselves. troll entendre?

edit: I mean the twit post by @AuthoriThai

 

[i-Lo]

And this is one of those times when learning more about the language you converse in pays off. What bunch morons.

 

[Hackworth]

I didn't even know the racist connotation until now. Huh.

 

[Piston Hyundai]

Anyone mad about this is nothing but a homophobe.

Spoiler

get it because homophones

 

[ActuallyHulk]

I hope there's a big pushback from people on shit like this. I can't be the only one sick of it. Everything offends someone. Every. Fucking. Thing.

That would be good, you'd just have to make sure to do it in a way where they can't find your place of employment.

 

[nynt9]

I hope there's a big pushback from people on shit like this. I can't be the only one sick of it. Everything offends someone. Every. Fucking. Thing.

Not exactly what you're looking for, but there is this: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=982019

 

[FunkyMunkey]

I'm not sure what you're so upset about.

Words change over time, and they become hurtful phases. It's life.

lol

Man, this thread is really full of people that want to hang onto their racist words, I guess.

Whatever. I'm not offended, but it is a little amusing that racial slurs against Asians isn't a big deal if it's used in the right context. I guess this is just model minority privilege-- having chink and cracker be the same kind of slur. ("It's only racist when used in the wrong context.")

 

[SRG01]

Sounds like a monty python joke.

"What do you think?"

"....Looks like you've got a chink in your armor."

"HELLO!"

LOL I'm Chinese and even I find this funny. Love Monty Python.

 

[vas_a_morir]

lol!!! Don't capitulate to these idiots.

 

[Ties]

no joke but if someone said chink in the armor to me if i didn't know that was an actual phrase i would be a bit shook

same with the word niggardly

both are so anachronistic

 

[Bleepey]

I remember reading an issue of Nintendo Official Magazine in the UK where someone complained of this. I rolled my eyes. I can understand if used as a pun but not in the normal way.

 

[BreezyLimbo]

That's news to me. I've never heard anyone use the word "bitch" to describe a dog. It's almost always used against a woman, or used to describe a man acting in negative ways women do.

...And you say you're an english major? You've never, ever, heard of bitch being used to describe a female dog?

is this real life
or is it just fantasy

Awww, is English not your native language? Or is empathy really that difficult?

I can ask the same about you, regarding above.

 

[Cow Mengde]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPnqfcAzPrw

This is a terrible quality video, but the scene from scrubs was the first thing I thought of.

Should have been the first reply.

 

[SRG01]

...And you say you're an english major? You've never, ever, heard of bitch being used to describe a female dog?

is this real life
or is it just fantasy

I can ask the same about you, regarding above.

She's referring to common use, perhaps. While the technical definition does state that it is a valid definition, it's not used much in colloquial language.

 

[Halvie]

Has cracker generally been used recently to mainly be a racial slur against white people?

And how often do you hear chink used as a slur...? I live in whitey white racistville and can't remember the last time I've heard it. Have heard chink in the armor used a fuck of a lot more. Zipper head, sure. Slant eyes, obviously. Chink in the armor? Fuck off.

 

[PJV3]

The vagaries of the English language, this isn't even PC gone mad, it's just a few plonkers on the Internet.

 

[BreezyLimbo]

She's referring to common use, perhaps. While the technical definition does state that it is a valid definition, it's not used much in colloquial language.

If she's referring to the common use of the word 'bitch', than one would think the common use for chink is to describe a crack or small opening. IE 'That car has a small chink on its axel.'

 

[FunkyMunkey]

Awww, is English not your native language?

You're probably the last person in this thread who should be asking people that question

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

And how often do you hear chink used as a slur...? I live in whitey white racistville and can't remember the last time I've heard it. Have heard chink in the armor used a fuck of a lot more. Zipper head, sure. Slant eyes, obviously. Chink in the armor? Fuck off.

uh...wow

"chink in the armor" as a phrase isn't racist, that's why the flap over the tweet is dumb

it's using "chink" to refer to a Chinese person that's (fairly obviously) racist

 

[liliththepale]

I know chink can be a racist term, but I live next to a lot of Asians (Irvine, CA) and I've never heard it used as such. It's so uncommon to me that I probably wouldn't have even noticed the usage in the Jeremy Lin title (which admittedly is fucked up on reflection).

This is a non-issue.

 

[Xenus]

no joke but if someone said chink in the armor to me if i didn't know that was an actual phrase i would be a bit shook

same with the word niggardly

both are so anachronistic

The first isn't and is widely used. Niggardly isn't so I can see people being very upset over over it. Thos I think the word you are looking for is archaic not anachronistic.

 

[SRG01]

If she's referring to the common use of the word 'bitch', than one would think the common use for chink is to describe a crack or small opening. IE 'That car has a small chink on its axel.'

Why can't there be two common usages for chink?

edit: Honest question for everyone here: do you pronounce it as ch-ink or kink in the armor?

 

[BreezyLimbo]

uh...wow

"chink in the armor" as a phrase isn't racist, that's why the flap over the tweet is dumb

it's using "chink" to refer to a Chinese person that's (fairly obviously) racist

Which is why context is important. The user you're replying to is using an anecdote to say that he hasn't used it used as a slur. He's not trying to say that it isn't a slur, but that it's uncommon to hear it used as a slur compared to other slurs.

Why can't there be two common usages for chink?

Because it's uncommon as a slur?

 

[SRG01]

Because it's uncommon as a slur?

I hope you weren't serious with that remark? Because if you were, I think you have some reading to do: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chink

 

[Ties]

The first isn't and is widely used. Niggardly isn't so I can see people being very upset over over it. Thos I think the word you are looking for is archaic not anachronistic.

nah man idk who you hang with but i've never heard that shift spouted until i looked it up online lmao

 

[Prototype]

This is not racist or insensitive at all.

Welcome to our hyper sensitive future, where everything and anything is cause for offense.

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

Which is why context is important. The user you're replying to is using an anecdote to say that he hasn't used it used as a slur. He's not trying to say that it isn't a slur, but that it's uncommon to hear it used as a slur compared to other slurs.

"chink in the armor" isn't a slur unless someone's trying to use it like in the context of that 4chan pic posted a while back. "Chink" is relatively unfortunately common. Some people may not hear it often but it's definitely out there.

 

[Xenus]

Why can't there be two common usages for chink?

edit: Honest question for everyone here: do you pronounce it as ch-ink or kink in the armor?

Ch-ink a kink in that context would be a bend or a fold out of place usually used in a water line that blocks flow etc

 

[BreezyLimbo]

You're right, I should have clarified that I meant it in a normal, everyday conversation sense. I have literally NEVER heard in conversation (literally never heard) of anyone saying "bitch" in reference to a dog.

So yes, I have literally never heard a single person refer to their/a dog as a bitch.

I imagine that if you were talking to your pastor and describing your dog, you'd probably not say something like "yeah that bitch had five pups the other night." I could be wrong, but as far as I can tell, it's hardly ever used that way anymore.


edit: Oh, I get it. I guess it's the "since it never happens to me it's not an issue" issue.

I suppose that works, too.

You mean have I walked with a group of friends and passed by an angry dog, and said 'Damn that bitch is in heat?' Dunno why you bring up a pastor. Is a pastor your end all retrospective question?

edit: Honest question for everyone here: do you pronounce it as ch-ink or kink in the armor?

Kink and chink are different words.

 

[ShemhazaiX]

That's news to me. I've never heard anyone use the word "bitch" to describe a dog. It's almost always used against a woman, or used to describe a man acting in negative ways women do.

Then you've never met a dog enthusiast / breeder.

Yeah, but this happened in America, and in the US no one says fag for cigarette, or ... niggle.

That'd be fine if American's didn't police British celebrities for saying things that they assume is racist.

Just because you feel that words aren't frequently used doesn't mean that we should just get rid of them outright out of fear that ignorant people are going to be offended.

The most common thing I hear from people advocating heavy handed political correctness is that "Ignorance is no excuse".

Please, pray tell, why is it an excuse for the people being offended?

 

[superdeluxe]

Holy crap, people will complain about anything nowadays.

Some ESPN editor got fired because he used that to describe Jeremy Lin.

But if there was not aimed/about Asians it should be a story.

 

[Ties]

Some ESPN editor got fired because he used that to describe Jeremy Lin.

screaming this is obviously racist because it plays off of him being asian

however the us army tweet isn't but i can see how someone can misconstrue based on the old ass phrase

 

[SRG01]

Kink and chink are different words.

No, I mean with regards to pronounciation do you pronounce the phrase 'chink in the armor' as 'kink in the armor'.

Because some regional accents -- mine included -- pronounce 'chink in the armor' as kink, while 'chink' is ch-ink.

My question is whether or not regional differences play a role in this.

screaming this is obviously racist because it plays off of him being asian

however the us army tweet isn't but i can see how someone can misconstrue based on the old ass phrase

While I don't take offense at the tweet, I can definitely see someone else taking offense to it... I think understanding why other people may take offense is entirely the point of this controversy and discussion.

 

[Acorn]

Wait, really? Because you never hear it, it's not an issue?

http://articles.latimes.com/2001/aug/01/local/me-29387

The word "chink" was carved into his parent's car.



You're right, I should have clarified that I meant it in a normal, everyday conversation sense. I have literally NEVER heard in conversation (literally never heard) of anyone saying "bitch" in reference to a dog.

So yes, I have literally never heard a single person refer to their/a dog as a bitch.

I imagine that if you were talking to your pastor and describing your dog, you'd probably not say something like "yeah that bitch had five pups the other night." I could be wrong, but as far as I can tell, it's hardly ever used that way anymore. Even just reading that makes me give pause because bitch has been used against women so much seeing it, regardless of context, is still a little "eh what."


edit: Oh, I get it. I guess it's the "since it never happens to me it's not an issue" issue.

I suppose that works, too.

Oh i get it because you've never heard bitch used for a dog it never happens.

 

[i-Lo]

I sometimes pity the state of english language; its evolution has led some serious perversions over the years.

Reminds of the word "Gay" which used to mean "Happy" (well, at least it's not a pejorative today) or the Swastika symbol that has become sickeningly associated with Nazism even though in the Hindu and Buddhist culture it stands entirely different aspects.

Awww, is English not your native language? Or is empathy really that difficult?

This confuses me. Are you asking native english speakers to accommodate a non-native speaker with regards to idioms/adages because the latter individual has heard a word that has been given derogatory meaning by racists?

no joke but if someone said chink in the armor to me if i didn't know that was an actual phrase i would be a bit shook

same with the word niggardly

both are so anachronistic

No, it really isn't. Niggardly is a far more archaic word as opposed to chink in the armor idiom.

 

[Xenus]

While I don't take offense at the tweet, I can definitely see someone else taking offense to it... I think understanding why other people may take offense is entirely the point of this controversy and discussion.

I don't. If you replace the word and use chinese person. Does the the statement made make any sense at all? If not calling it racist and getting upset over it makes no sense at all.

As long as "chink" gets used against Asians, there's always going to be some fraction of people saying that the term "chink in armor" should be eliminated. Regardless of whether or not you agree with them, it shouldn't be so surprising that some people may not like seeing the racial slur in any context.

And here is the biggest problem with your argument. It's not a racial slur unless used in a context as a racial slur. It's not using a racial slur in another context.

 

[Zoe]

edit: Oh, I get it. I guess it's the "since it never happens to me it's not an issue" issue.

I suppose that works, too.

You did basically say that for cracker.

 

[BreezyLimbo]

I hope you weren't serious with that remark? Because if you were, I think you have some reading to do: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chink

Chink as a slur, is indeed a slur. By itself? It's harmless. Context is important here. I'm not saying that 'chink' can't be used as an insult, but that the context matters.

No, I mean with regards to pronounciation do you pronounce the phrase 'chink in the armor' as 'kink in the armor'.

Because some regional accents -- mine included -- pronounce 'chink in the armor' as kink, while 'chink' is ch-ink.

My question is whether or not regional differences play a role in this.

This is a tough question. Like already mentioned, the words 'fag' and 'faggot' are used in Britian/British Isles/etc. regularly, if the articles/posters I'm reading are correct. Region definitely plays a role in whether certain words can be appropriated by those people-For example, NorCal folks say 'Hella' commonly, whilst in SoCal it's nonexistant. That's not an offensive word, but we can surmise that 'kink in the armor' is correct for your region. "Kink in the armor" I've heard before, and I've also heard 'Chink in the Armor.'

"chink in the armor" isn't a slur unless someone's trying to use it like in the context of that 4chan pic posted a while back. "Chink" is relatively unfortunately common. Some people may not hear it often but it's definitely out there.

Oh, it's definitely out there. I'm not denying that. I disagree with putting a blanket on the word 'chink' and saying it should always be offensive no matter the context. It's not like the 'n-word', where that has ALWAYS been used in an offensive matter.(Or in the wiki article, the k-word as well.)

It's not.

& since it's not, ESPECIALLY TO ASIANS, that's most likely the reason why there are some people reacting in an offended manner. Just seeing the word, which is a slur, regardless of context, makes them upset.

That would make it uncommon though, wouldn't it? Again, to bring up the n-word, people seem to throw that word everywhere if they're feeling a bit flowery with their insults. No matter the skin color-You got white people using it, Hispanics using it(Anecdotal as I'm Hispanic and been around those types of people), you've got everyone using the n-word to be edgy or just straight up offensive.(Anecdote on my part, but I'm sure you can find some news stories of white people using the word.).

Using chink as a slur however, in my whole life I've never heard it be used as an insult.(Like you say, you don't know any dog breeders, I don't know anyone who's used the word 'chink' near my person. I've been aware of it as an insult, however, since middle school) It wasn't until I got on the internet that people actually used it at a slur, but rarely.

 

[SRG01]

I don't. If you replace the word and use chinese person. Does the the statement made make any sense at all? If not calling it racist and getting upset over it makes no sense at all.

But that's exactly the point, I think. Offense needn't be rational and can manifest in many different ways.

edit: grammar

 

[RELIGHT]

Um...not racist. Not even in its origin

 

[Ties]

No, it really isn't. Niggardly is a far more archaic word as opposed to chink in the armor idiom.

i've never really heard the term spoken so i didn't know it was so prolific

 

[cheekymunky]

... niggle.

... yes, they do. Niggle is a common usage word in America.

 

[themidnightsun156]

i know a lot of people nowadays don't read but its not that obscure of a phrase, who hasn't heard "chink in the armor"? if they had the same wording with a picture of an asian person then that would be racist

 

[i-Lo]

i've never really heard the term spoken so i didn't know it was so prolific

I wouldn't go as far to as to say it's "prolific" in its application, however, relatively speaking, the idiom is quite well known.

 

[Ties]

I wouldn't go as far to as to say it's "prolific" in its application, however, relatively speaking, the idiom is quite well known.

ok thanks for the clarification

 

[NimbusD]

It's a fucking word. It's a word that has different meanings. It wasn't used to cause offense. Wtf is the problem? It's be like being grossed out at trees because they're brown and poop is also brown.

 

[nampad]

They didn't mean the slur but a common phrase so it's not racist.
I feel the racial backlash gets out of hand sometimes. Remember people were upset over the kung fu movie parody in How I met your Mother and I thought it was funny as an Asian.

 

[sunofsam]

Next you'll tell me cleaning something until its spic and span is offensive as well.

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

Oh, it's definitely out there. I'm not denying that. I disagree with putting a blanket on the word 'chink' and saying it should always be offensive no matter the context. It's not like the 'n-word', where that has ALWAYS been used in an offensive matter.(Or in the wiki article, the k-word as well.)

I don't think anyone's trying to do that, and the context here is pretty obvious. In fact I'd say it's even more obvious than "oriental" which came up here a while ago, because the non-offensive use for "chink" is limited to a flaw or fracture in something.

Also wrt "bitch"-it is the term for a female dog and it's use as a gendered insult comes from that, to the point where the secondary meaning has superseded the original meaning. If you remember the episode of the Simpsons where Bart keeps calling Santa's Little Helper's girlfriend a bitch, much to Marge's frustration, the humor in that comes from the greatly diminished use of bitch in its original sense. There probably are a lot of people who have grown up/are growing up without ever having heard it used in the original sense.

I feel old

Next you'll tell me cleaning something until its spic and span is offensive as well.

I've actually seen a sketch playing off of this lol

 

[Aquamarine]

.@USArmy uses racist term for Asians in headline! #inexcusable I’m waiting for an apology. @bjones @ArmyTimesTony pic.twitter.com/ArqsHUbrwJ

— Chanin Nuntavong (@authoriTHAI) January 29, 2015

lol ok buddy