r-word UK /ˈɑː.wɜːd/US /ˈɑɹ.wɝd/noun 4verb 1forms 5 noun4 •(euphemistic) The word retard or retarded, regarded as a vulgar or taboo word.I recently spoke supporting a new name for the President's Committee on Mental Retardation. I suggested it be changed to "President's Committee for People with Developmental Disabilities." — 2003 •(euphemistic) The word rape, regarded as a vulgar or taboo word."Updike can use the `R' word" (rape, he meant) "to describe the love-making (sic) of the two Brazilians and get away with it." — 1994 •(euphemistic) The word redskin or redskins (including Redskins as a team name) regarded as a vulgar or taboo word.For years, Native American Indian groups and a wide variety of knee-jerk liberal sympathizers, including me, your humble scrivener, have pointed fingers of shame, shame, shame at the R-word team. — 1992 •(humorous) Any word beginning with r that is considered (often humorously) to be taboo in the given context.Neither Mayor David N. Dinkins nor Mr. Cuomo, though, has been reluctant to invoke the symbolism of another R-word: Republican. — 1993 verb1 •(euphemistic) To rape. formsr-worded · R-wording · r-wording · R-words · r-words
