The only word in the world that is considered offensive when used properly and used improperly. If used as a replacement for the word stupid someone will immediately
point out how you're being offensive.
On the contrary, if you call someone who is
mentally handicapped retarded, you will also be called offensive.
Person one: You just chugged a
2 liter of Coke and a box of
Mentos? You retard.
Person two: Hey,
that's offensive! (Proceeds to vomit Coke everywhere)
Person one: Aww, poor Timmy is retarded.
Person two: Hey, that's offensive!