NationStates Jolt Archive

In another thread, I have been accused of racism and flaming because at the end of a response to a request for proof I said "Happy, skippy?"

Granted, it was snide. Set that aside.

The poster to whom I was responding has taken great offense. According to him, "skippy" is a racial epithet "used towards white Australians." It has been said to be similar to refering to an African-American as "boy."

[*snip*]

What I want to know is who else has ever heard that this was a racial slur?

How reasonable is it to assume a non-Australian meant it as a racial epithet?

(For the record, I apologized more than once and have said I will stop using the term.)

EDIT: Although my motives in starting this are partially to show my error was unintentional, I did not and do not mean to disparage the person that took offense. The term does have a derogatory meaning in certain context. The discussion was heated and I can see how it could be assumed my use was intentional.

So, I ask that you not make negative comments about the person that objected. I am merely curious as to whether others were as ignorant as I (and I hope that perhaps a showing of other's ignorance will help convince that I meant no offense.)

EDIT2: I apologize for screwing up some of the poll options. Like for ROW.

as far as i knew, skippy was just snide, in the same way as ending a sentence with buddy.

in that case 'Limies', 'Yanks', 'Kiwis' are all ethnic slurs.

And none of the Brits, Americans, or New Zealanders I know have a problem with it.

Are you sure he wasn't just losing the argument?

Haha, being an Aussie myself, I've never come across the term personally. I don't really see it as any kind of "ethnic slur", besides, even if it were, why the heck would it be a white's-only thing? Wouldn't it be far more logical to call the Aboriginal people that, since they were first classified as "fauna" when the country was colonised?

And even if it is an "ethnic slur", I'm highly amused by it and take it in good spirits. It's only fair really given Australia's attitude to other nations, eg "Yanks" (or "Bloody Yanks" depending on the situation), is hardly one of undying admiration and love. Besides, a little ribbing is good for you. :D How boring the world would be without some playful and mildly insulting names to call each other.

Methinks the guy who complained was just grasping at straws as you brutally put him down, as is your way Cat-Tribe. :p

I didn't know until I saw the fit MSB threw. He's still having a fit.

Yeah, sortof.

"Skip" or "Skippy" means a white Australian, or an Australian with no immediate immigrant background. For example, a person who has a British father would not be a skip. But it's not really offensive at all. I refer to myself as a "skip" sometimes, because i'm a 3rd generation Aussie. I have Asian friends that call me a skip jokingly. No big deal.

It's nowhere near as offensive by comparison as "boong" which is a racial slur against Australian Aborigines.

I usually use something like "li'l shaver" or "slugger."

Never knew that. Wasn't the 'guy next door' with the crush on Malary on Family Ties named Skippy? There's another dude in my program named Skippy. We call the germ/virus in the card game Nuclear War Skippy.

I would never have guessed it was a slur. Though it is needling the dude.

Thanks actually, I am an Asian recently to Australia and I must say that other than red-neck these blokes have it easy. What with the stuff they refer to us as - & of course Me only learning Ammo like this is much appreciated :mp5: . Funny thing is that some of my friends think I am talkin about a Kangaroo when I mention Skippy. So :D

I had no idea it was derogatory. I've only been around significant numbers of Australians when I was in Japan (about a dozen of my coworkers were Australian).

Well, once you've said "hey sorry, I didn't know and it wasn't meant to be racial", I think you've done all you can (and should). If this person can't leave it at that and go back to the discussion, then he/she clearly isn't getting mileage out of their own end of the discussion, so maybe they need to resort to "well, I'm offended and therefore right".

Wow, i never knew "skippy" was a racial slur.

in that case 'Limies', 'Yanks', 'Kiwis' are all ethnic slurs.

And none of the Brits, Americans, or New Zealanders I know have a problem with it.

Are you sure he wasn't just losing the argument?
"Yank" very mildly annoys me. Only because I'm a southerner though. Yankees are those folks up north. We used to say the most dangerous thing in Texas was a Yankee in a U-Haul. :D

Gah, don't people read the thread?

It's not offensive.

I believe the term stemmed from an old sit-com/soap opera called "Skippy". Skippy was actually a young kangaroo. It's targeted against white Australians yes, but only people looking for a fight will find it offensive.

Thanks actually, I am an Asian recently to Australia and I must say that other than red-neck these blokes have it easy. What with the stuff they refer to us as - & of course Me only learning Ammo like this is much appreciated :mp5: . Funny thing is that some of my friends think I am talkin about a Kangaroo when I mention Skippy. So :D

Ah, yes, because when confronted with racism, the logical conclusion is to exacerbate the situation by spreading the hate even more. Indeed.

"Yank" very mildly annoys me. Only because I'm a southerner though. Yankees are those folks up north. We used to say the most dangerous thing in Texas was a Yankee in a U-Haul. :D

I think southerners would get even more annoyed if I started calling them Dix.

:p

some people do not care what ethinic slur they were called.
but sometimes words such as skippy might have a positive side, not a intention to steryotype someone.

Er...I'm a skip. I knew it was a racial term, but I personally don't find it offensive. Although the only person who calls me a skip is my chinese flatmate.

Skip would only offend me if some non-skip said it to me in an implicitly denigrating way. Like if I was called "skip" while being gangraped in Sydney. Context is everything. Outside of an aggressive context, Skip would be about as offensive as Whitefellah. I don't find Whitfellah offensive either, though I guess many others would. Whitefellah/Blackfellah/Skip/Koori are all just distinctions of culture as far as I'm concerned. They're necessary distinctions when one considers the vast diversity of Aboriginal culture prior to white invasion, and how the remnants of that culture are so different to white culture. It would be naive to think of Australia as just one culture because it's a hodge-podge of many cultures. It would be like saying that all Europeans are the same, and taking offence at being called by German or Macedonian or whatever your nationality is.

I think southerners would get even more annoyed if I started calling them Dix. What do you reckon would happen if I started humming the tune from "Deliverance"?

"Yank" very mildly annoys me. Only because I'm a southerner though. Yankees are those folks up north. We used to say the most dangerous thing in Texas was a Yankee in a U-Haul. :D

Now you know how the Scots feel when you Americans refer to the UK as England. ;)

What do you reckon would happen if I started humming the tune from "Deliverance"?LOL
We just moved to a town that's really in the backwoods. While exploring we got lost out on some dirt roads and my roommates hummed "Dueling Banjos" the whole time.

I didn't know until I saw the fit MSB threw. He's still having a fit.

Yeah thats right, keep up the childish flaming, I guess thats all you can do. :rolleyes:

For the record, I asked Cat tribe not to call me that, as I dont like it, and yes I said Id go to moderation about it if he kept doing it.
I was advised by the mods, if I got into any scraps with anyone to take it to them from now on, as I would be banned. I have at least warned the other person first.
He wouldnt drop it but, and has gone out of his way as you can see to prolong this silly arguement even further, instead of just saying right up, OK I wont call you that anymore. How hard is that to say?
If any other Aussies on here dont find it offensive, then thats their own choice I guess.

Yeah thats right, keep up the childish flaming, I guess thats all you can do. :rolleyes:

For the record, I asked Cat tribe not to call me that, as I dont like it, and yes I said Id go to moderation about it if he kept doing it.
I was advised by the mods, if I got into any scraps with anyone to take it to them from now on, as I would be banned. I have at least warned the other person first.
He wouldnt drop it but, and has gone out of his way as you can see to prolong this silly arguement even further, instead of just saying right up, OK I wont call you that anymore. How hard is that to say?
If any other Aussies on here dont find it offensive, then thats their own choice I guess.

<sigh>

I do not wish to argue with you about this.

I have apologized multiple times. I have said more than once that I will not use the term further.

I will do so again:

I am sorry I offended you with a racial slur. It was unintentional. I did not know it was a racial slur.

I will not refer to you as "skippy."

I am German. The cliche says that because of my National Heritage™ I know all racial slurs as we have invented 98% of them, and I don't know it. Ergo, it isn't one.

And now I go eat some Bratwurst und Sauerkraut.

Yeah, sortof.

"Skip" or "Skippy" means a white Australian, or an Australian with no immediate immigrant background. For example, a person who has a British father would not be a skip. But it's not really offensive at all. I refer to myself as a "skip" sometimes, because i'm a 3rd generation Aussie. I have Asian friends that call me a skip jokingly. No big deal.

It's nowhere near as offensive by comparison as "boong" which is a racial slur against Australian Aborigines.

but that is at least based on fact. they do go "boong" when you hit them with a roo-bar. :)
Seriously though, it in the lesser class of racial insults, and i'm not even offended by it

I repeat I'm not racist but was explaining the origin of boong to Americans and Europeans

The Cat-Tribe[/B]

[QUOTE]I will not refer to you as "skippy."

Good.

but that is at least based on fact. they do go "boong" when you hit them with a roo-bar. :)
Seriously though, it in the lesser class of racial insults, and i'm not even offended by it

I repeat I'm not racist but was explaining the origin of boong to Americans and Europeans

That's awful :p

Now you know how the Scots feel when you Americans refer to the UK as England. ;)That's why I try to cover my ass and call all of you "Brits."

Do you know that "skippy" is an ethnic slur?
Watch me care. :rolleyes:

It's nowhere near as offensive by comparison as "boong" which is a racial slur against Australian Aborigines.

I disagree, its pretty much in the same mould I think.
Boong is bad, as is Abo, Coon, Black fella etc and to me has the same conatations to it as Skip or Skippy. Im also part Aboriginal, about 1/16, on my mothers side of the family.

Aha, but I don't like being called a Brit, I'm English, ergo calling me a Brit is offensive, right? :rolleyes:

As far as I knew, skippy was a kangaroo, and skip is what you do when you're feeling happy, or what you do when you have a nice long rope and two friends to turn it for you.

I think people in general are too easily offended these days.

I disagree, its pretty much in the same mould I think.
Boong is bad, as is Abo, Coon, Black fella etc and to me has the same conatations to it as Skip or Skippy. Im also part Aboriginal, about 1/16, on my mothers side of the family.

Honest question.

Most of the references I have seen refer to "skip" as the ethnic term. (There seems to be some disagreement between various websites as to whether it is derogatory or a statement of pride.)

Are "skip" and "skippy" both the same and equally offensive?

EDIT: I ask this because, as you may recall, I originally could find no reference to "skippy" as an insult via Google. I could find lots of positive uses of "skippy" re Australia. With "skip," I find more references to it as a slur.

[QUOTE=StuckInFrance]Aha, but I don't like being called a Brit, I'm English, ergo calling me a Brit is offensive, right? :rolleyes:

No :rolleyes:
Its like Aussie, mate, understand?

If I referred to you as a Pommy, you wouldnt like that, as I have found off the English before.
I was asked not to call them poms or pommys as they were sick to death of Aussies calling them that, so I said sweet, and stopped.

As far as I knew, skippy was a kangaroo, and skip is what you do when you're feeling happy, or what you do when you have a nice long rope and two friends to turn it for you.

Oh well now you know different.
For me its a slur, and I hate it.


I think people in general are too easily offended these days.

Tell that to the next Black person who has just been called a ******.

Honest question.
Most of the references I have seen refer to "skip" as the ethnic term. (There seems to be some disagreement between various websites as to whether it is derogatory or a statement of pride.)

Are "skip" and "skippy" both the same and equally offensive?

Yes, we call ourselves Aussies, not skips or skippys.
Thats what other ethnic types here call us, when their being derogatory.
Just as we call the Asians slopes, or the Middle easteners wogs, or the Islanders coconuts.
Speaking for myself I grew out of it ages ago, I cop the odd skippy remark sometimes, as its usually just in jest, but if someone was continually repeating it, then they would just be looking for an arguement.

Aha, but I don't like being called a Brit, I'm English, ergo calling me a Brit is offensive, right? :rolleyes:

As far as I knew, skippy was a kangaroo, and skip is what you do when you're feeling happy, or what you do when you have a nice long rope and two friends to turn it for you.

I think people in general are too easily offended these days.Tough noogies. You're all Brits. :p

Actually all people from the UK are poms or pomes
Prisoners Of Mother England
Except the Irish. Do not call the Irish poms.
even the Northern Irish which are technically.
It's like the part in Die Hard 3 where Bruce Willis is walking around Harlem wearing a sign saying 'I hate Niggers'

I think people in general are too easily offended these days.

Do you mean peope in general, or people in General? :)

Seriously though, this must rank high among the silliest arguments in this forum. Some people are too seriously offended. It's just one word that nearly no one here would ever think of to use as an insult. I personally think it sounds kind of cute. I place no importance in words on their own; to me it's the meaning behind them that's important. In the original cause of this argument, there was no real derogatory meaning behind the word, so it shouldn't be anything to raise such a fuss over.

Come on, people, lighten up!

What the fuck?

This (http://www.peanutbutter.com/) is the only skippy I know.

Racial slurs, when made purely in jest, and not meant to be actualy offensive, or mean spirited, I find hilarious.

Theres a nifty little web site called "The Racial Slur Database", wich has so many slurs that you never knew existed.

Quite amusing really.

I could give you a few examples, but Im sure that some idiot who would read it would take it the wrong way, and pitch a fit, so I will refrain.

I will tell you this though:

Much to my satisfaction, being a whitey, Im happy to say that there are even plenty of good slurs for us too.

Do we really care, skippy, buddy, honkie, limey, kiwi, yankee, ******, jigaboo, spic, kike, towel head, camel jockey, chubby buddhist. Guess what kids, they are words, nothing more, if you are going to be so worried about someone getting pissed at a word you use, then go and create a politically correct dictionary that will have all words removed from it that may be considered racially insensitive by one group or another and your dictionary would contain approximately 50 words.

People that cry about racial insensitivity are just trying to change the argument from whatever the original post was because they lack the research or the mental firepower to debate the topic and try to prove the point they are trying to make.


Nice. Try it again without calling people stupid for being offended, using the unoriginal and overused smilies and putting it in huge red type in order to attach more importance to your point than it truly deserves.

Actually all people from the UK are poms or pomes
Prisoners Of Mother England
Except the Irish. '
Sweet crap that added years to the end of my life. That makes total sense.

I'm not being sarcastic-that just sounded like nonsense before.

Worst n00b post ever.

Worst n00b post ever. Seconded.

=Blue Dyed Balls II
SNIP


I care mate, I care.

I care mate, I care.

I'll bet you really don't care. I'd wager that you merely grasped onto this flimsy straw as an excuse for spewing your venom.

Edit: Not trying to flame you, just stating my honest opinion.

I had no idea that skippy was an insult. Though I do know about Kracker.

But then again, they're not rascist. According to the law, only White People can be rascist.

And I throughly enjoyed you having Canada as ROW. Not like we're your neighbour or anything...

I could give you a few examples, but Im sure that some idiot who would read it would take it the wrong way, and pitch a fit, so I will refrain.


lmao

please do please do, I might have afit on ya. Jackass.

I'll bet you really don't care. I'd wager that you merely grasped onto this flimsy straw as an excuse for spewing your venom.
Edit: Not trying to flame you, just stating my honest opinion.

:rolleyes:

lmao

please do please do, I might have afit on ya. Jackass.


couldnt be bothered with the jerk

Hmmm... Which of the following would most people consider an insult:

Skippy
Jackass
Jerk

Here's another fun word: Hypocrite

*snip*

Since when is 'kiwi' a racial slur?

lmao

please do please do, I might have afit on ya. Jackass.


Ok Ill give you two.

Again, for anyone who is reading this, lighten the hell up.
No one is being targeted.

One of my favorite ones is a slur towards Asians.

"Nuprins."

This is a reference to an over the counter American pain reliever.
Nuprin was known for its slogan:

"Little...Yellow...Different."

My favorite one however is much darker, and even I would never call anyone this becuase it would most likely get my ass kicked. (and rightfully so.)

This is a slur against Blacks, and it is a reminder of the Lynchings that took place in the 60's during the Civil Rights Movement.

"Wind Chimes."

Did I mention I have a pretty twisted sense of humour?

http://www.gdusa.com/issue_2004/04_apr/seen/_pic/Skippy-Peanut-Butter-Jars.jpg

*snip*

Please don't.

I know MSB asked for other slurs. I know not why.

But please don't.

Sucks to get worked up over something as insignificant as this. You're clearly using it as an excuse to continue whatever argument you were having with The Cat-Tribe. Considering that the insult is derived from the bloody TV show, you'd expect at least some leeway on usage by non-austrailians.

Please don't.

I know MSB asked for other slurs. I know not why.

But please don't.


Probably a good idea.

I dont want to portray the wrong image, and quite honestly, I ONLY find these funny when no harm is intended.
Sadly, I cant count on everyone else to be mature enough to have a harmless laugh.

No need to arm fools.

Yet another example of people getting worked up over petty, meaningless things. I thought it was just a kangaroo. The word is only offensive if you let it be so.

As an Aussie, I dont give a rats

Since when is 'kiwi' a racial slur?
when its used in a deogatory way it is.
for example the phrase "my Nigga" isnt a slur when african americans say it to each other, but it is when some other ethnic group uses' it.

when its used in a deogatory way it is.
for example the phrase "my Nigga" isnt a slur when african americans say it to each other, but it is when some other ethnic group uses' it.


Dude.

Seriously.

A RACIAL slur, is one that makes fun of anothers RACE.

Being from New Zealand, wich is what "Kiwi" means,has nothing to do with race.

I have never once (as a nzer) been offended when someone cals me a kiwi. infact its a compliment cos it means that someone actually knows who we are :D

Before I was told by Andy that Kiwi referred to a bird in New Zealand and was a nickname for New Zealanders, I had honestly thought Kiwi referred to an island and Kiwis were from it. But whatever the usage, it always reminds me of something I read once...

"I like my women the way I like my kiwis. Soft, yet firm. Sweet, yet tart. And covered with short, brown hairs."

"I like my women the way I like my kiwis. Soft, yet firm. Sweet, yet tart. And covered with short, brown hairs."

Are kiwis what americans call kiwifruit?
I always thought of them eating our wee endangered bird when they talked about it

Are kiwis what americans call kiwifruit?
I always thought of them eating our wee endangered bird when they talked about it

oh man, is the kiwi bird seriously endangered? That's rough, dude. We Americans almost wiped out our bald-eagles, but their population is back up. Are the kiwi running out of habitat? Andy showed me some pics of his home, it looked like paradise. If I could handle another trans-Pacific flight, I'd go. A lot of the Canadian guys had vacationed in Australia and said there were a lot of youth hostels. Do they have a lot of them in NZ too?

oh man, is the kiwi bird seriously endangered? That's rough, dude. We Americans almost wiped out our bald-eagles, but their population is back up. Are the kiwi running out of habitat? Andy showed me some pics of his home, it looked like paradise. If I could handle another trans-Pacific flight, I'd go. A lot of the Canadian guys had vacationed in Australia and said there were a lot of youth hostels. Do they have a lot of them in NZ too?

the number of kiwis is maybe in the 100's if that many.
they are endangered cos the breed slowly and being flightless and without weapons (strong legs for kicking or anything) and slow they are easy tucker for stoats, ferrets and rats.
There are heaps of youth hostels in all the cities. tg me if you want to know more as this is starting to hijack the thread

Jeez Louise! And I always thought that "Skippy" was just the name of that stupid kangoroo...

Dude.

Seriously.

A RACIAL slur, is one that makes fun of anothers RACE.

Being from New Zealand, wich is what "Kiwi" means,has nothing to do with race.
Well I can't really think of any racial slur which would annoy me, so I dont care, but im sure there are a few new zealanders who get sick of us calling them kiwi's and other such things

I am from the ROW and i knew it was a 'Racial' Slur but more of a slur than a Racial one!

Fix your Poll! :mp5: :p

Skippy? I have only herd someone called that once. It was this one girl in highschool who apparently had a run in with a dog and some peanut butter.

Heck Kiwi Offensive nah!

Churchill once asked a soldier in WWII why New Zealanders were called Kiwi's
The Soldiers reply was because we are almost bloody extinct! :p :eek: :(

I think some people just need to get over themselves. In my opinion, putting that much attention on an unintentional slur seems to be nothing more than a transparent and lame attempt at drawing attention away from the fact that one is losing the debate. You didn't know it was a slur, you apologized, and that should be the end of it.

In another thread, I have been accused of racism and flaming because at the end of a response to a request for proof I said "Happy, skippy?"

Granted, it was snide. Set that aside.

The poster to whom I was responding has taken great offense. According to him, "skippy" is a racial epithet "used towards white Australians." It has been said to be similar to refering to an African-American as "boy."

[*snip*]

What I want to know is who else has ever heard that this was a racial slur?

How reasonable is it to assume a non-Australian meant it as a racial epithet?

(For the record, I apologized more than once and have said I will stop using the term.)

EDIT: Although my motives in starting this are partially to show my error was unintentional, I did not and do not mean to disparage the person that took offense. The term does have a derogatory meaning in certain context. The discussion was heated and I can see how it could be assumed my use was intentional.

So, I ask that you not make negative comments about the person that objected. I am merely curious as to whether others were as ignorant as I (and I hope that perhaps a showing of other's ignorance will help convince that I meant no offense.)

EDIT2: I apologize for screwing up some of the poll options. Like for ROW.


I think people are too thin skinned. I also have a good feeling for when something is being used as an overtly offensive remark (racial or not), and when it's being used in an offhand or even humorous manner.

Did I mind being called Luke The Gook when I was sneaking around in the woods in the Army? No. When I was told that my running with a pack was "The Mongolian Two-Step"? No.

Did I mind being called Luke The Gook by kids when I was in 5th grade during the Vietnam War? Yes.

Words are meaningless without context.

as far as i knew, skippy was just snide, in the same way as ending a sentence with buddy.
Same here , buddy or "bucko"

So is "herring choker." What's the point?

Bleh. I remeber being at school and EVERYONE called this one guy 'Skip' because he was the only guy with 2 Aussie-born parents....

He didn't seem to mind.


Of course I went to a school where a lot of people refered to themselves as 'Wogs', so it wasn't a new thing.

Hmmm... Which of the following would most people consider an insult:

Skippy
Jackass
Jerk

Here's another fun word: Hypocrite
agreed

the number of kiwis is maybe in the 100's if that many.
they are endangered cos the breed slowly and being flightless and without weapons (strong legs for kicking or anything) and slow they are easy tucker for stoats, ferrets and rats.
There are heaps of youth hostels in all the cities. tg me if you want to know more as this is starting to hijack the thread

There were 78,440 kiwis left in 1998, and it was projected then to be at 57,380 by 2006. Some species like the Okarito brown kiwi number less than 100, while some like the North Island brown number in the 10s of thousands.

That comes from my all-knowing book on kiwis I just went and found.


If anyone is interested in learning about the kiwi try going here. (http://www.kiwirecovery.org.nz/AboutTheBird/)

What do you reckon would happen if I started humming the tune from "Deliverance"?


It doesnt really hum so well-you have to "ding-ding" it...

Thats a laugh.
Just another word.

I have to add this hateful slur to my arsenal...

About the poll, UK is in Europe so what's this about ''UK or Europe''?

Jeez Louise! And I always thought that "Skippy" was just the name of that stupid kangoroo...
actually the kangaroo was smart it was the piss weak kids that were stupid :)

I'm a USAian with lots of Aussie friends and co-workers.
I'd heard something to that effect, but had almost forgotten it until this came up.

About the poll, UK is in Europe so what's this about ''UK or Europe''?

Oh come on! Since this thread is about language it does make sense to a certain extent. Except for the UK (and Ireland!!!), no other countries in Europe have English as their mothertongue...

in that case 'Limies', 'Yanks', 'Kiwis' are all ethnic slurs.

And none of the Brits, Americans, or New Zealanders I know have a problem with it.

Are you sure he wasn't just losing the argument?
he so was. everyone loses when faced with cat-tribe.


p.s.- you used "sparky" the other day, and that had me cracking up. are you sure its not an ethnic slur for say.................fill in your own blank.

So now skippy has the seal of approval, does that mean wog is okay again too?

actually the kangaroo was smart it was the piss weak kids that were stupid :)

Yes, sorry 'bout that... Just too bad that the kangoroo wasn't the one doing all the talking. (I just wanted to express who annoying that show was and did the kangoroo wrong :rolleyes: )

In another thread, I have been accused of racism and flaming because at the end of a response to a request for proof I said "Happy, skippy?"

Granted, it was snide. Set that aside.

The poster to whom I was responding has taken great offense. According to him, "skippy" is a racial epithet "used towards white Australians." It has been said to be similar to refering to an African-American as "boy."

[*snip*]

What I want to know is who else has ever heard that this was a racial slur?

How reasonable is it to assume a non-Australian meant it as a racial epithet?

(For the record, I apologized more than once and have said I will stop using the term.)

EDIT: Although my motives in starting this are partially to show my error was unintentional, I did not and do not mean to disparage the person that took offense. The term does have a derogatory meaning in certain context. The discussion was heated and I can see how it could be assumed my use was intentional.

So, I ask that you not make negative comments about the person that objected. I am merely curious as to whether others were as ignorant as I (and I hope that perhaps a showing of other's ignorance will help convince that I meant no offense.)

EDIT2: I apologize for screwing up some of the poll options. Like for ROW.
I suspect your leg is being pulled on this one.

after seeing the responses of the other australians...


he's taking the piss

I always thought it was a brand of Peanut Butter. Skippy, I wonder what Jiff means?

[Incoherent click sounds]
What's that skippy? Someone pushed the boys down the old well and the perpetrators ar Muslim hardliners attempting an armed revolution on Brisbane supported by defecting units of the Australian army and a cell of evil terrorists? AND THEY DID WHAT TO OLD MRS MACFLANGE? Well crickey! Get the old yute out and we'll catch 'em we will!

I am from the ROW and i knew it was a 'Racial' Slur but more of a slur than a Racial one!

Fix your Poll! :mp5: :p

That is only one of several things wrong with the poll.

Lesson: Don't write polls in a hurry at 1:40am.

But, New Zealand is really just territory of Australia anyway. :eek: :p ;) :D

Hmmm... Which of the following would most people consider an insult:
Skippy
Jackass
Jerk
Here's another fun word: Hypocrite

Were all hypocrites sometimes mate, and your no angel in this regard Im sure, Jerk and Jackass are pretty mild insults really, Ive copped both on here and not really cared to be honest.The guy was being a jerk, and so are you.

Sucks to get worked up over something as insignificant as this. You're clearly using it as an excuse to continue whatever argument you were having with The Cat-Tribe. Considering that the insult is derived from the bloody TV show, you'd expect at least some leeway on usage by non-austrailians.

If its so insignificant then why did this one start awhole bloody topic and put up a poll about it. I think your going after the wrong person here as far as accusing someone of keeping it going.
Its good to see, you see it as an insult too, at least you got that right.

Probably a good idea.
I dont want to portray the wrong image, and quite honestly, I ONLY find these funny when no harm is intended.
Sadly, I cant count on everyone else to be mature enough to have a harmless laugh.
No need to arm fools.

Dont worry, your well armed. :) Very well armed.
In fact Id say with the exception of two others that have posted here, you have a whole arsenal at your disposal.
Just having a harmless laugh at your expense, I'll take it your mature enough not to care much.

'Skippy' is an ethnic slur?
Damn, now I can't eat peanut butter.
http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/schools/dakota/mystery/mystery96/skippy.gif

Wow. I'm so amazed.
Some people will whine forever.

And some people will flame forever. :rolleyes:
I thought you couldnt be bothered?
That last post you did before has been your best one so far.

'Skippy' is an ethnic slur?
Damn, now I can't eat peanut butter.
http://www.isd77.k12.mn.us/schools/dakota/mystery/mystery96/skippy.gif

You can eat it until you choke for all I care.

When I was younger we had a dog named "skippy."

I am especially insensitive to claims that racial slurs against white people exist.

I hold in the lowest contempt any white person who could be "offended" by a "racial slur."

Dude.
Seriously.
A RACIAL slur, is one that makes fun of anothers RACE.
Being from New Zealand, wich is what "Kiwi" means,has nothing to do with race.

Thanks BS, I couldnt have put it better, the word 'skippy' refers in this case to an Australian of anglo saxon or caucasian background, there races mate, in case you didnt know.
You just confirmed it as an Racial slur, well done.

I think some people just need to get over themselves. In my opinion, putting that much attention on an unintentional slur seems to be nothing more than a transparent and lame attempt at drawing attention away from the fact that one is losing the debate. You didn't know it was a slur, you apologized, and that should be the end of it.

Well it would be if this one hadnt gone to the trouble of setting up a whole topic and poll on the subject, but dont let that fact escape your attention. :rolleyes:

agreed

Well you would know I guess, being one yourself.

Hey, call me Skippy all you like, I won't mind. I'm Anglo, so yep, I'm a skip.

Or so I thought. Someone earlier said that if I have one immigrant parent I don't qualify as a skip. My mum's from Wales, so I don't get an ethnic slur? Awww.

he so was. everyone loses when faced with cat-tribe.


Really, how was I?
Cat tribe isnt that great either, too many needless put downs during his arguements against the other poster, shows a weak character.

Well you would know I guess, being one yourself.
Oh? how so?

So now skippy has the seal of approval, does that mean wog is okay again too?

Im sure it does now, so if Im argueing with an Asian person on here according to some posters on here I am now free to end every post to said person with the amusing tag of slopehead, and any African Americans, boy, I mean we wouldnt want to be too thin skinned on here would we.

I've heard it used as a term of endearment for little boys. The type of nickname an uncle would use.

A long while back, there was this mentally challenged kid in my neighborhood that everyone called Skippy. I believe he was called that because he actually kind of skipped when he tried to run. He had this bad problem with needing attention. If, for even a moment, he wasn't the center of attention - he would do literally anything to win it back. Usually it was just yelling, screaming or acting out. Sometimes though, he would still be ignored. At these times, he had a special trick. He would just crap his pants and then start crying. I could never understand this. Yeah the kid was slow, but soiling yourself in public - just for attention??? I never got that. Still don't.

So.. the only time I have ever heard "Skippy" used in a negative way was back in the old neighborhood - but the implication was that you were mentally challenged. I have never heard it as a racial insult. I am sure that anyone outside of Australia would have almost zero chance of knowing it was a racial slur.

Really, how was I?
Cat tribe isnt that great either, too many needless put downs during his arguements against the other poster, shows a weak character.
LOL nice coming from someone that has resorted to telling people to kill them selfs or insulting every argument you get into :rolleyes:

LOL nice coming from someone that has resorted to telling people to kill them selfs or insulting every argument you get into :rolleyes:


This clown is starting to smell distinctly like a troll.

This clown is starting to smell distinctly like a troll.
Yeah though he has the terminilla(sp) feel where just generaly over the top with somet things

[QUOTE=New Granada]When I was younger we had a dog named "skippy."

Did it hop around the yard? :rolleyes:

I am especially insensitive to claims that racial slurs against white people exist.

My my, dont we live in a pc world.

I hold in the lowest contempt any white person who could be "offended" by a "racial slur."

And whys that?
Do you think its Ok to be racist towards white people?

Hey, call me Skippy all you like, I won't mind. I'm Anglo, so yep, I'm a skip.

Or so I thought. Someone earlier said that if I have one immigrant parent I don't qualify as a skip. My mum's from Wales, so I don't get an ethnic slur? Awww.

Well we can always call you a sheep shagger, seeing as you dont mind. ;)

A long while back, there was this mentally challenged kid in my neighborhood that everyone called Skippy. I believe he was called that because he actually kind of skipped when he tried to run. He had this bad problem with needing attention. If, for even a moment, he wasn't the center of attention - he would do literally anything to win it back. Usually it was just yelling, screaming or acting out. Sometimes though, he would still be ignored. At these times, he had a special trick. He would just crap his pants and then start crying. I could never understand this. Yeah the kid was slow, but soiling yourself in public - just for attention??? I never got that. Still don't.
So.. the only time I have ever heard "Skippy" used in a negative way was back in the old neighborhood - but the implication was that you were mentally challenged. I have never heard it as a racial insult. I am sure that anyone outside of Australia would have almost zero chance of knowing it was a racial slur.

This isnt about you is it? :)

LOL nice coming from someone that has resorted to telling people to kill them selfs or insulting every argument you get into :rolleyes:

I believe I was banned for that, trust you to bring up old water from under the bridge. :rolleyes:
Thats all you have now, past indiscretions that Ive already been banned for, and therefore irrelevant, like your arguement.

This clown is starting to smell distinctly like a troll.
I didnt set this topic up, dont blame me.

I believe I was banned for that, trust you to bring up old water from under the bridge. :rolleyes:
Thats all you have now, past indiscretions that Ive already been banned for, and therefore irrelevant, like your arguement.
Not at all you were degrading another's opinion because they used an insult... your past history of doing the same DEFFINATLY reflects on the quality of your judgment in that area

[QUOTE]

Did it hop around the yard? :rolleyes:



My my, dont we live in a pc world.



And whys that?
Do you think its Ok to be racist towards white people?


I think that the wrong in racism comes from the fact that it victimizes people who are already in a weak position, it is equivalent to kicking somone while they are on the ground, picking on the weak in general.

Because white people have for a very long time dominated and exploited people who are not white, with the opposite never being the case, they are singularly immune to meaningful racism.

Yeah though he has the terminilla(sp) feel where just generaly over the top with somet things
Terminalia, does that help?

Terminalia, does that help?
Was that the name? no wonder I got the feel

[QUOTE=Mutated Sea Bass]
I think that the wrong in racism comes from the fact that it victimizes people who are already in a weak position, it is equivalent to kicking somone while they are on the ground, picking on the weak in general.
Because white people have for a very long time dominated and exploited people who are not white, with the opposite never being the case, they are singularly immune to meaningful racism.

White people dont hold some monopoly on that, people have been used and abused by all races just about, the only reason whites werent much, is because they were usually more advanced.

Was that the name? no wonder I got the feel

I dont know, I was just guessing.

[QUOTE=Mutated Sea Bass]


I think that the wrong in racism comes from the fact that it victimizes people who are already in a weak position, it is equivalent to kicking somone while they are on the ground, picking on the weak in general.

Because white people have for a very long time dominated and exploited people who are not white, with the opposite never being the case, they are singularly immune to meaningful racism.
But by definition racism is preference based on race as long as there is any decision made on the basis of race or any slurs weather personally meaningful or not is by definition racism

Not at all you were degrading another's opinion because they used an insult... your past history of doing the same DEFFINATLY reflects on the quality of your judgment in that area

lmao :rolleyes:

I dont know, I was just guessing.
Ahh well it looks fairly right ... its been a long time

What do you reckon would happen if I started humming the tune from "Deliverance"?
Can't we go with something everyone loves, like "the Devil Wen't Down to Georgia"?

Well we can always call you a sheep shagger, seeing as you dont mind. ;)


Half skip, half sheep - like some kind of Antipodean basilisk, hee hee...

[QUOTE=New Granada]
But by definition racism is preference based on race as long as there is any decision made on the basis of race or any slurs weather personally meaningful or not is by definition racism


Right, but what i was talking about were the things that made racism morally wrong and generally bad, it is indeed "racist" to call a white person a honkey or a "skippy" but they have no cause to be insulted, and it isnt meaningfully immoral or wrong.

So if a Cracker and a Skippy were to marry and have children, would you call their kids Sandies or Snacks?

This isnt about you is it? :)


Stop crying and please change your pants. :)

So if a Cracker and a Skippy were to marry and have children, would you call their kids Sandies or Snacks?

lmao. Somebody get some cheese and dips.

A long while back, there was this mentally challenged kid in my neighborhood that everyone called Skippy. I believe he was called that because he actually kind of skipped when he tried to run. He had this bad problem with needing attention. If, for even a moment, he wasn't the center of attention - he would do literally anything to win it back. Usually it was just yelling, screaming or acting out. Sometimes though, he would still be ignored. At these times, he had a special trick. He would just crap his pants and then start crying. I could never understand this. Yeah the kid was slow, but soiling yourself in public - just for attention??? I never got that. Still don't.

So.. the only time I have ever heard "Skippy" used in a negative way was back in the old neighborhood - but the implication was that you were mentally challenged. I have never heard it as a racial insult. I am sure that anyone outside of Australia would have almost zero chance of knowing it was a racial slur.
*wiping tears from my eyes*

sometimes you are just too subtle for this forum.

[QUOTE=Mutated Sea Bass]


I think that the wrong in racism comes from the fact that it victimizes people who are already in a weak position, it is equivalent to kicking somone while they are on the ground, picking on the weak in general.

Because white people have for a very long time dominated and exploited people who are not white, with the opposite never being the case, they are singularly immune to meaningful racism.
Do you have any idea what is going on in Zimbabwe?

Bullshit. As an American (it does matter with slang), skippy is a derogatory word that simply means "young & naive".

Any suggestion that this is a racial slur is rediculous, and sensational.

I suspect that was the absolute last card they had to play with you.

Reducing themselves to accusing you of racism for using the term... "skippy?"!

:p :p :p :p :p

*snip*

MSB,

I have asked that this thread be locked.

I apologize that this has turned into thread in which you are bashed and you are responding to critics. Although I perhaps should have seen that coming when I started this thread in the wee hours of the (PST) morning, it was not my intent.

As I admitted, part of my intent was to help demonstrate that my use of the word was snide but not intentionally racist. Also I was genuinely curious.

Anyway, I did not mean for you to be criticized (which was admittedly naive). We have some animosity between us, but we were on our way to putting this particular exchange behind us when I created the thread. This has exacerbated the problem. (And I doesn't appear to have convinced you that my use was unintentional.)

I still apologize for my inadvertent offense and stand by my pledge not to insult you with that term again.

Hopefully, we can return to a normal, within the rules level of mutual hostility. ;)

Yeah, sortof.

"Skip" or "Skippy" means a white Australian, or an Australian with no immediate immigrant background. For example, a person who has a British father would not be a skip. But it's not really offensive at all. I refer to myself as a "skip" sometimes, because i'm a 3rd generation Aussie. I have Asian friends that call me a skip jokingly. No big deal.

It's nowhere near as offensive by comparison as "boong" which is a racial slur against Australian Aborigines.
Yeah, I'm with Kanabia. I thik it's a power thing as well. "Skip" isn't used in a violent or intimidating or superior sense, like "boong" or any other lovely racial epithets would be.
I'm not too fond of fellow South Asians using "curry" to describe themselves though.

I think if you feel 'skip' or 'skippy' is being used as an attempted insult or racial slur, then that's a legitimate thing to get offended over.

But in my opinion, you really don't have grounds to compare it to other racial slurs like '******', 'slanty', etc, because I challenge you to name one moment in history where the Australian population was being racially pursecuted and/or cast out from mainstream society due to an ethnic heritage.

MSB,

I have asked that this thread be locked.

I apologize that this has turned into thread in which you are bashed and you are responding to critics.
This was extremely thoughtful, and unique among posters.

Cat-Tribe, you liberal freakjob... I can't believe you're turning into one of my fave posters!

This was extremely thoughtful, and unique among posters.

Cat-Tribe, you liberal freakjob... I can't believe you're turning into one of my fave posters!

:D

I can't believe it either! ;)

Thank you for your comments, btw. Nice to hear.

(Between the praise from you and Occidio Multus, I should have staged such a fracas long ago to boost my ego. :eek: :D )

(Between the praise from you and Occidio Multus, I should have staged such a fracas long ago to boost my ego. :eek: :D )
Take the praise from the hottie much higher than mine! ;)

She's fun & kinky too... from what I hear...

I thought you conducted the whole fiasco with as much grace and tact as possible. I probably should have sat on my hands a little more, but it was driving me nuts. :rolleyes:

I'm from the U.K. and didn't know it was a racial slur. I knew it referred to Australians, but I always figured it was no big deal. I've heard Australians on Australian television programmes refer to each other as "Skip"..... so is it like the '******' thing, where if you're not part of the epithet you can't use it, but if you are and are talking to someone else of that epithet, it's like a jovial greeting?