Gilda, I agree completely. That's what I was trying to say in my post.
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How though, would you suggest people determine if the other person belongs to their "subculture" -- there's all sorts of lingo that are specific to these subcultures that are NOT offensive, and they are a perfect example. In fact, I have many as a Computer Geek, often very unfamiliar to those out of my "zone." If I
dont use these words, someone might get offended that I was treating them like an idiot. Or this not an apt metaphor?