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Using the words is offensive to her, but they're generally said out of ignorance and not hate, Larson said.

And even though the words might not be used in a negative way, they are still rooted in something that makes them offensive, Larson said.

It's the same case as if someone were to say they were "gypped," a word derived from gypsy, she said. There have been instances when people have used the word out of malice, she said.

Just last week, Larson said she was called a "dyke."

And though she wouldn't expect punishment at the college level, Larson said she hopes professors would address these terms if they were used in a classroom.


Hmm, I use the word dyke and most of my lesbian friends do as well.  Then again it is usually said in a loving or playful tone and I seriously doubt that the person who called Larson that had the same tone of voice.