But there's nothing inherently offensive about the word "Slag"!!
The word "shag" isn't necessarily offensive either (e.g.: Shaggy from Scooby-Doo; not really an offensive name). As I said, it's all about context. "The Spy Who Shagged Me" is controversial because in that context they're clearly using the word "shag" as a vulgar synonym for copulation. You don't need to be conversant in UK slang to get that (I'm sure most non-UK audiences fully understand what Austin Powers means when he talks about "shagging").
The words "slag" and "slapper" aren't necessarily offensive too, it all depends on the context in which you use it. It's not like the word "slut" which doesn't have a non-negative meaning or at least, a meaning that wouldn't be widely considered suitable for a children's toy line. dictionary.com definition: "an immoral or dissolute woman; prostitute"
The word "slag" on the other hand is a perfectly acceptable word. In fact, the name was originally used for Transformers for its original and true meaning.
From dictionary.com:
"A product of smelting, containing, mostly as silicates, the substances not sought to be produced as matte or metal, and having a lower specific gravity than the latter; -- called also, esp. in iron smelting, cinder. The slag of iron blast furnaces is essentially silicate of calcium, magnesium, and aluminium; that of lead and copper smelting furnaces contains iron."
Yeah but this is going to the point of being unreasonable. At the Sydney Royal Easter Show - an annual family] event with lots of children around, there are lots of agricultural, horticultural and animal displays - one of which is a dog show with signs clearly using the word "bitch" (e.g.: "First Class Bitches"). It's not vulgar or rude, they're using the word bitch in its proper and appropriate context. I'm sure there might be some people who'd take offence to it... but what are they going to do about it? Complain? They could, but I doubt it would go very far. You can't take action against the Royal Easter Show for using the word bitch in its proper context. (-_-)Originally Posted by FFN
Likewise other Transformer names which fans like to giggle at (with the exception of Scattor, it does not mean scatter unless you're illiterate) aren't really offensive because they're not used in inappropriate contexts.
e.g.:
+ Windbreaker: the one name in TFs that everyone likes to laugh at, but it's not as if anyone's ever made a serious complaint against Hasbro for it. The name is meant to be a reference to its aerodynamics as a sports car.
+ Night Slash Cheetor: sure, UK fans laughed their sides off at this name, but again, no serious complaints were made against Hasbro about it afaik.
+ Slapper: Much like Windbreaker, an unfortunate name choice but again noone's going to sue Hasbro for it.
Should parents cover up their children's eyes whenever they go by or into a Dick Smiths store or product? Should we censor anyone with a surname like Bush to protect children from being exposed to what can be a vulgar term? In that case I think we'd be censoring at least 1/3 of the English language... (-_-)
As much as some of us may like to have a bit of a laugh here and there at some names, so long as they're not used in an inappropriate context then it oughtn't be an issue.
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