or when reporting news to actually not use the word. It becomes like Lord Voldemort's name, something people fear saying, which in itself give the word power. If a politician or other public figure calls someone a "nigger", "faggot" or "cunt", hiding behind "n-word", "f-word" or "c-word" is stupid and inaccurate. People say they do this to avoid "offending" or showing disrespect". Well, the person they are talking about had no such reservations, and that is important context to the story that should not be omitted.
Similarly, when we are having an academic/etymological discussion we should not refrain from using the words since the whole point of the discussion is to explore the context and impact of the words in question. It reminds me of politicians who refuse to use the correct words for genitalia because that is "impolite".
It also reminds me of the scene in High Anxiety where Mel Brooks starts to discuss Freudian sexuality, but pulls up short when he notices one of his colleagues has brought his kids to the lecture. He then starts talking about "Pee pee envy".
Just a pet peeve of mine, and now it will probably get me in trouble.
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