when is something an insult?

[Seamus Fermanagh]

Communication theorists generally hold with the view that it is the message receiver and not the sender who determines the impact of a message.

If you say "that doesn't flatter you" and your S.O. hears "You're fat and ugly" just GUESS which interpretation dominates the relationship for the next little while.


Some phrases and words do carry too much baggage and can end up causing insult through simple use. Perhaps this should not be so, but it is.

[The Stranger]

Communication theorists generally hold with the view that it is the message receiver and not the sender who determines the impact of a message.

If you say "that doesn't flatter you" and your S.O. hears "You're fat and ugly" just GUESS which interpretation dominates the relationship for the next little while.


Some phrases and words do carry too much baggage and can end up causing insult through simple use. Perhaps this should not be so, but it is.

Yes, this seems to be the current status quo but I'm not sure I like it, but its good you bring it up. I may come back to it later with a response!