language

As the people who were commenting were trying to explain, the terms that the original poster thought were universally offensive or sexist actually were not. As the textbook explained, language is arbitrary. Meaning, just because words could be considered offensive in a certain language, culture, or context does not necessarily mean every culture would feel that way. As someone mentioned, calling a man ‘boy’ can be considered derogatory for some people, but in England and the rest of the UK it is common practice and would never be considered derogatory or offensive. The important thing, I think, is to just be culturally aware. Not only is it important to be conscious of what words you’re using, but also to realize that because language is arbitrary, don’t jump to conclusions when someone says something that you find offensive. Maybe where they’re from that would be considered either a positive or neutral statement!