The “x just means y” argument has its merits, but there are many words that “just mean” something, but after being used in a bad way now are considered offensive. “Retarded” just means “slowed down”, and “negro” just means “black”. So then the question becomes, who gets to decide if a word is offensive? People with dictionaries, or people who feel offended? Either way, I think society should be consistent.
The “x just means y” argument has its merits, but there are many words that “just mean” something, but after being used in a bad way now are considered offensive. “Retarded” just means “slowed down”, and “negro” just means “black”. So then the question becomes, who gets to decide if a word is offensive? People with dictionaries, or people who feel offended? Either way, I think society should be consistent.