Query of the week – May 2, 2008

Do you consider the word “pansy” offensive?

"It depends on the context it’s delivered in. If it’s delivered in an insulting, derogatory way toward gays, yes. If it’s used to refer to a flower, no."

"Definitely. I find all ethnic slang terms offensive."

"No. I think it’s silly. I don’t even know what a pansy is. I’m too old to get offended by something like that. I would just laugh."

"Yes. A teacher once told me you curse because you have no command of the language, and I think that’s a good example of not being able to come up with a better word."

"Yes. I think there are enough labels in this world already. If we could stop using words like that, I think we’d all be a lot better off. People need to stop and think about what they say."