Twats

/twæts/ noun

Definition

British slang for silly or annoying people; the word is considered vulgar in American English where it's an anatomical insult.

Etymology

Origin uncertain, possibly related to 'twat' (to hit), first used in British slang in the early 1900s, and the meaning shifted from a hitting action to describing foolish behavior, then became a person-insult.

Kelly Says

The same word means completely different things depending on which English-speaking country you're in—British kids use it for 'annoying people,' but American kids use it as a crude insult, which is why movies have to be rewritten for different markets.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Vulgar slur originating from female anatomy. Used as intensifier/insult to demean people (often women and LGBTQ+ individuals) by sexualizing anatomy as derogatory.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid entirely outside reclamation by affected communities. No neutral usage exists.

Inclusive Alternatives

["fools","idiots","jerks"]

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