I guess that is what I'm trying to get at. Not that your feelings should take a back seat. But what makes it offensive. The only people I've ever heard even say it that way are cats from the "hood". I really thought it was just a hood thing. Where did the derogatory term originate? I really would like to know because, I have a good relationship with an Arab family in my neighborhood and would never want to offend them in any kind of way.