Slurs and Stereotypes

A number of theorists have recently advocated semantic analyses of slurring terms that advance a common source of slurs ’ offensiveness: stereotypes of the group to which the slur is standardly applied. A stereotype semantics of slurs (SSS) takes (nonappropriated1) uses of slurring terms to semantically encode and express or conventionally implicate stereotypes of the group that is referenced by the slur’s neutral counterpart. So, for example, on an SSS, “S is a Nigger” expresses or implicates that S is lazy, stupid, dangerous; “S is a Kike ” expresses or implicates that S is a greedy, penny-pinching schemer. Though oversimpli-fied, these examples display how an SSS explains slurs ’ offensiveness—in terms of the offensiveness of properties included in stereotypes. Lynn Tirrell,2 Tim Williamson,3 Christopher Hom,4 Adam Croom,5 and Liz Camp6 have each proposed some variety of SSS. While stereotype views differ in various crucial respects, all can be seen as motivated by at least some of the following considerations. First, uses of slurs bring stereotypes of the referenced group to mind almost effortlessly. Second,