IDK ya'll, is "toothless" ableist regardless of context, or is this person ignoring how language works? Was my reply defensive, or simply clarifying? - ThreadSky

boringkeith.bsky.social • 68 days ago

IDK ya'll, is "toothless" ableist regardless of context, or is this person ignoring how language works? Was my reply defensive, or simply clarifying?

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arcus.bsky.social•68 days ago

They may feel that way. You can’t exactly control your feelings, just your actions. That being said, I think it’s pretty clear this metaphor is in reference to violence or consequences and is using animal bites to make its point. I’ve always heard it used in reference to some kind of consequence.

arcus.bsky.social•68 days ago

Also, that’s just not how English works. The words “anonymous” and “toothless” were used to describe the threat, not a person. A threat is not a person. You would not describe a threat as a toothless hick.

bask.dad•68 days ago

People are entitled to their opinions, and those opinions are also able to be stupid and wrong. Toothless is properly used exactly the way you used it. This would be like if someone called you ableist for using the phrase “weak argument” because their disability reduces their muscle tone.

rynm4jor.bsky.social•68 days ago

honestly, it took me a second to realize you weren’t talking about the dragon

boringkeith.bsky.social•68 days ago

Given how my script was written, I don't think there's all that much ambiguity in my meaning. I don't think something like "their attack proved toothless" can be conflated with a phrase like "toothless hicks" in good faith.

Sometimes a "dyke" is just a wall or a ditch, etc, etc.

statichorizon.bsky.social•68 days ago

they are trying soooo hard to make you feel some type of way over whats ultimately something thats on them 😭

crisiswheels.bsky.social•68 days ago

This seems like an incredible reach. I've never heard of anyone trying to conflate toothless with ableism or about being stupid.

incorgnitomode.bsky.social•68 days ago

Dude, this is such a reach on their part it makes me thinks it’s the same trolls that made the original threats coming back for seconds.

Please don’t let this get to you, you didn’t say anything wrong.

ambureon.bsky.social•68 days ago

nah this is someone going "apologise to me for the way that my interpretation of your sentence made me feel" they are clearly not looking for conversation. the way they feel is the way they feel, you can't change that and you shouldn't try to, what matters is intent and your intent was fine

laughinggaster666.bsky.social•67 days ago

You are 100% fine. This person is just trying to get upset over a complete nothing. The way you used the word is the way I've seen it used plenty.

unpronounceableoq9.bsky.social•67 days ago

My best faith interpretation of that commenter is that they never heard of the idiom "their attack proved toothless" and therefore interpreted in the only way the /could/ interpret it.
(i.e. "toothless hicks")

unpronounceableoq9.bsky.social•67 days ago

Under that assumption I kind of can understand why they are interpreting your reply as defensive, even though I'm not sharing that interpretation.

And people don't necessarily reevaluate their thoughts on something when they get new information. Even if it might provide a better explanation.

epistemoskypus.bsky.social•68 days ago

You're fine, dude. Chances are they're not even a regular, and just someone out to try and cause trouble. I think you used the word well, and explained yourself clearly.
Some people just cannot take "I disagree" no matter how kindly you say it.

myuphrid.bsky.social•68 days ago

This is definitely a stretch. And considering how very defensive they get in their next reply, I can't help but suspect they might be being over-vigilant about potentially offensive wording just to pick a fight with you.

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