Should I be ashamed or proud?

Question

I just had my very first deleted answer. I used the word "gullible".

Answer 1

Was it the word or the context?

I think people sometimes take our answers more to heart rather than an opinion.

And this is what I think of opinions....  Everyone has got one and sometimes they stink, not to be confused with the tush.

Answer 2

Well, welcome to the club!

Answer 3

wow you should consider yourself lucky when you make it up here with the big wigs you get that all day long

Answer 4

Put it down to experience. It may be the first, but I can guarantee that it won't be last.

Answer 5

Most likely some liberal didn't know the meaning of gullible and decided it was offensive. I've had this happen and the only explaination that could have been was a lack of the capability of understanding. It happens a lot with one particular group.

Answer 6

Both!

I love the word "gullible."  It is derived from the Makupali Indian word, "Ωξττϕϕ," which roughly translates as "stupid as a seagull."  Seagulls are very stupid you know.  They also p**p a lot, and in some very inconvenient places.

I wouldn't want to be called as stupid as a seagull, and that's for sure.  On the other hand, gullible is a great word and using it is sure to please the Great Spirit.

So be proud that you have a fine vocabulary, but ashamed if you called someone as stupid as a seagull.

Answer 7

If one is stating facts to three people in person, all three people should hear the same thing. But we all know that giving an opinion to three people, they will hear three different interpretations. This situation declines even further with the written word. It is our preconceived prejudices that often force us, subconsciously, to interpret something other than the original intent. Not every time, but too often just the same. The point is, you never know how someone has heard you, and you never know what someone is thinking. I'm not defending the person who deleted your answer. I agree completely you could not offend with just that one word. One possibility here though. Maybe the reader has suffered in the past with the word gullible - used in a negative and condescending manner in a personal verbal attack. I say this only to emphasize, you never know what someone is thinking, or why. Anyway, it can be demeaning to all of us who try to cooperate here and abide by the rules, yet get reported for seemingly innocent replies.