It's a fair point well made. It won't stop me using the word as language is just language. It's the meaning intended in words that should be deemed offensive rather than the actual word itself. If I were use it to intentionally insult somebody with a mental disability it's a different matter. I'll be expecting the moral stance to be taken every time yourself and mu77 see it being used.
Well that's the point you actually are. By directly associating somebody with full capacity making poor choices, with someone whose mental capacities are diminished through no fault of their own. So it is not only insulting but wholly inaccurate. One has a direct choice in how they choose to act, the other's capacity to choose has beenseverely limited by disability.
Language is not really just language though is it, it can be manipulated in countless ways to deliver very powerful messages, evoking both very strong positive or negative emotions and the subsequent reactions.
I certainly did not criticise you mate or others, it is not for me to judge how others should voice their views. You indicated you thought the usage may be offensive to some, so i simply gave you my thoughts on why some including myself, do indeed find it a bit inappropriate and uncomfortable.
You are of course free to use whatever terms you deem necessary, but for someone who can deliver reasonably precise and well considered opinions, i struggle to see why you would choose to place yourself in a position of having to justify your choice of words, while appearing easily capable of providing more accurate and appropriate terminology.