I was taking a group of building service engineers through the 18th. We were discussing the use of Appendix 5. One chap was very exercised about the BA3 category which is described as utilization-capability-handicapped. He claims the latter word was exorcised from common parlance years ago and would be offensive to many. I am not that politically correct but maybe he has a valid argument,.
I am considerably less than 100 years old and the phrase has only one meaning for me, a meaning which is neither derogatory nor racist. However I understand that some people read into the phrase meanings that were never intended to be there and am therefore careful to not use it if there is any possibility of misunderstanding (i.e. possibility of offence), and will generally not use it at all.
I fully agree with Sparkingchip's final comment above which is effectively what I said earlier, but I also feel that too many people are eager to see offence where none is intended.
I am considerably less than 100 years old and the phrase has only one meaning for me, a meaning which is neither derogatory nor racist. However I understand that some people read into the phrase meanings that were never intended to be there and am therefore careful to not use it if there is any possibility of misunderstanding (i.e. possibility of offence), and will generally not use it at all.
I fully agree with Sparkingchip's final comment above which is effectively what I said earlier, but I also feel that too many people are eager to see offence where none is intended.
