Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 October 2020
This chapter explores offensive language related to physical appearance and physical difference. We discuss perceptions of ugliness and beauty, and offensive language with regard to height, weight, clothes, hair color, and other physical features. We tackle stereotypes and derogatory language against redheaded people, bias against baldness and grey hair, fat shaming, thin shaming, and the claim that abusing overweight people is the “last acceptable bigotry.” The discussion includes historical cases of prejudice against appearance (e.g., the Elephant Man, ugly laws, freak shows, and human zoos) and more contemporary cases.
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