I know it’s used toward Trumpist politicians so far. Was the context such that “weirdo” was the only sensible choice?

I feel troubled by this because Keep Austin Weird, Keep Portland Weird, etc., which is normally celebrated. And I’m weird.

  • callouscomic@lemm.ee
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    2 months ago

    It’s always been a slur to differently abled people. Some grow up and go through life hearing it constantly as a way to shrug them off as disposable or something. It’s a way assholes in society treat them like shit.

    What’s gone on recently is offensive cause there are real people who through life being called that and other names as a way to disregard them. Having to hear how it’s been openly used lately isn’t great, but people don’t get it. They think some things are harmless merely cause it doesn’t affect them or someone they care about.

  • RubberDuck@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Tim waltz just said it in a speech. He called the behavior of maga and maga cultists weird. And it stuck.

    It probably stuck because it’s an apt description that they don’t like. They have no shame, so trying to actually shame them does not work… which is also weird. The unapologetical and blatant lying is weird… the whole world watches these people and most thing… what the fuck…

    • linearchaos@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      Before WOKE, they used weird as a term to describe LGBT*, emo and anything else they saw as against their values.

      They just looked at other people not like them and said, they’re weird right, and they would all agree.

      Well now we’re calling them weird and backing it up by calling out specific actions they know are wrong. Now they’re saying no, no we’re not weird at the same time internally going are we weird? They’re questioning their values just a little. It won’t stick long term or make changes. But they don’t have introspection very often.

  • Zachariah@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Good weird = you get called weird, and you’re like, “duh, we’re all weird”

    Bad weird = you get called weird, and you respond defensively and have to prove how normal you are to everyone

  • LesserAbe@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    I’ve seen people say there’s good weird and bad weird, and if you don’t mind calling yourself weird it’s probably the good kind.

    As for calling maga people weird I think it’s effective because their whole deal is about vibes. “We’re strong, we’re smart” and it really bothers them to be perceived otherwise. It’s also not something you can “debate”. Either people accept it or they don’t. What are you going to say “no, I’m not weird”? Sure thing buddy.

    • SkavarSharraddas@gehirneimer.de
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      2 months ago

      And if a self-proclaimed “alpha male” elicits a reaction of fear or anger that confirms their self-image. But being called weird, or laughed at like the clowns they are, undermines their whole act.

  • Boozilla@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    The weird window has shifted. Having purple hair and a nose ring used to be “very weird”. Now nobody blinks an an eye at that stuff.

    But being attracted to your own daughter (and admitting it publicly) and fucking a couch (and admitting it publicly) are still considered very weird.

    • MrBobDobalina@lemmy.ml
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      2 months ago

      Get them on the real stuff, there’s plenty of it. The couch thing is known to be made up and is just misinformation now (well, always was).

      He certainly seems like someone who might fuck a couch because he’s fucking weird, so keep the jokes about it coming, but the book excerpt was fake

  • spacemoss@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    I feel the same way. In the end, this is the english language where the words are made up and none of the definitions matter.

  • calabast@lemm.ee
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    2 months ago

    Don’t worry about it too much. I don’t think this current trend will completely overtake the word “weird”, but even if it does, you’ll still be good-weird, Republicans will still be bad-weird, and people will know the difference, no matter what we call those things.

  • B1naryB0t@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    2 months ago

    It was said as a common sense criticism of the Republicans by VP candidate Tim Walz. It serves as a criticism without giving them any intellectual credibility, which is important against fascism. Fascists love when you try to debate them or allow them in the conversation, and calling them weird shuts it down.

  • CrimeDad@lemmy.crimedad.work
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    2 months ago

    I think there’s a different between being weird and being a weirdo. Weird people can be fun, but you have to watch out for weirdos.

  • Today@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    It’s only bad if you’re offended by it. Embrace the weird = all good. Spend all your time trying to convince people that you’re not weird = super weird.

    • sin_free_for_00_days@sopuli.xyz
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      2 months ago

      As I read somewhere recently, there is good weird and bad weird. You know which is which by how the target reacts. Almost all my friends are weird. Good weird. Except for Steve.

  • JeeBaiChow@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Is there another choice to describe trump? I mean, other than convicted insurrectionist rapist grifter fool?

  • njm1314@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    You say recently but it’s always kind of been a pejorative. It’s softened in the last few decades but it was always an insult.

  • RegalPotoo@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    As an additional point; “weird” isn’t a slur. A slur is an expression where the very words themselves are considered obscene - a slur is offensive, even when it is used to describe someone or something according to its strict definition.

    There is no context where describing someone as a “removed” or a “retard” isn’t offensive. “Weird” isn’t like that, as you’ve pointed out - it’s being used as a simple insult, and it’s persistent because it seems to really annoy the people it is directed at

    Edit: to further my point, one of my examples is so objectionable that it was automatically filtered from my post

    • TimewornTraveler@lemm.ee
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      2 months ago

      exactly! lol “if you trying to compare two words and you wont even SAY one of em… THATS the worse word!”

  • gravitas_deficiency@sh.itjust.works
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    2 months ago

    Ok so this feels a lot like borrowed/manufactured concern or outrage. Thats why you’re getting downvoted, and I admit it looks like that to me too.

    But if your question does happen to be genuine: it’s because it’s one of the most hilariously simple rhetorical shots that anyone has made at the GOP and Trump + Vance. The fact that they’re so bent out of shape and CLEARLY upset by being called “weird” is weird by itself, in the most negative connotation of the word. Not to mention, most people who consider themselves “weird” - including myself - would respond to being weird with something between “hell yeah dude fist bump” and “hell yeah dude. Go fuck yourself”, depending on the context and delivery of the original comment. The fact that they’re SUPER upset about being called weird is the primary fact that’s being made fun of here, as well as the fact that, well, the things they are fixating on, and a ton of their campaign positions, are objectively outright weird. It’s leaning on linguistic subtleties and flexibility to take a shot at fascists and live rent-free in their heads, and to most people, it’s absolutely fucking hilarious that it seems to be working.

    • bec@lemmy.nzOP
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      2 months ago

      it looks like that to me too

      Genuine question. I do want to engage in discussing political matters—well, some days, when I’m up for it—but I’m hesitant because I expect to be viewed with some paranoia. I will do my best not to even look at votes. If I snark on headlines for some time, which I would enjoy, maybe enough people will figure out I’m not something bad.