Yahoo

This term is widely considered to be
This term is generally agreed to be offensive toward a person or group of people. We strongly recommend you do not use this term and instead use a term not usually thought to be offensive. While it is possible that some people will not be offended by this term, just as some people will be offended by other terms when no harm is intended, it is best to avoid. Remember that what is considered offensive can also change over time, by scenario, and by relationship. We provide this library of terms for informational purposes and we welcome feedback to help us get it right.

Meaning

Derogatory term for a person that is perceived as unintelligent, unrefined, or uncultured.

Background

The term "yahoo" is believed to have been coined by Jonathan Swift in Gulliver's Travels.

Swift used the term to describe a race of primitive, man-like brutes.

Over the years, it has been used more broadly to include any number of undesirable qualities, including loudness and rudeness. If used to describe a person who may be perceived as not culturally or behaviorally typical due to a disability or condition, it can be highly offensive (for example, to call someone a "yahoo" because they have a condition that impacts their behavior, like ADHD).

Alternatives

If a person's disability or perceived disability is relevant, state it specifically.

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