Meaning

(euphemistic) The word retard or retarded, regarded as a vulgar or taboo word..

Definitions by Sense

1. (euphemistic) The word retard or retarded, regarded as a vulgar or taboo word.
2. (euphemistic) The word rape, regarded as a vulgar or taboo word.
3. (euphemistic) The word redskin or redskins (including Redskins as a team name) regarded as a vulgar or taboo word.
4. (humorous) Any word beginning with r that is considered (often humorously) to be taboo in the given context.
5. (euphemistic) To rape.

Example Sentences

I recently spoke supporting a new name for the President's Committee on Mental Retardation. I suggested it be changed to "President's Committee for People with Developmental Disabilities."

The Tropic Thunder premiere presented a particularly strong opportunity for advocacy groups to make further progress on this front, because the R-word has played a major role in advance viral marketing for the prospective big-budget blockbuster.[…]

The latest battle over the R-word kicked into high gear with a Jan. 26 Wall Street Journal report that last summer White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel blasted liberal activists unhappy with the pace of health-care reform, deriding their strategies as "[expletive] retarded."

When people continue to use the 'R' word, it's hurtful," Seckler added.

Throughout 2025, influential public figures like Rogan, Musk and Kanye West have used the r-word on platforms where millions can see and hear them.

"Updike can use the `R' word" (rape, he meant) "to describe the love-making (sic) of the two Brazilians and get away with it."

As the viewer of any after-school special can tell you, women shy away from the R word because they blame themselves.

You don't ask a victim 'How's it going?' and you don't use the R word with them.

Word Forms

• r-words
• R-word
• r-wording
• r-worded

Synonyms for r-word

Related Words

When Should You Use R-word?

Use r-word when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions