re: #170 Shiplord Kirel

Re: “Oriental”

The word “Chinaman” is simply a transliteration of the Chinese term for a Chinese person, “China” (中國) and “man” or “person” (人).
It was originally used without offensive intent, and was similarly used until quite recently, but it became offensive by virtue of being the term of choice among anti-Chinese bigots in the 19th century and later.
Much the same has happened with such terms as “oriental,” originally an inoffensive if rather vague term for “east of Europe.” Again, its common usage in disparaging statements among racists has given it a strongly offensive character.

Oriental is offensive now? I must have missed the memo.