Who has more power: the user of a word or someone interpreting that use?
A person can choose to interpret a word with a different meaning than what is commonly used by the rest of society. Some find empowerment in using a derogatory term in a positive way. Does this only benefit that individual?
Let’s say someone calls me a whore to be mean, and I don’t care because I don’t view that word in a negative way. Would our different interpretations of the same word cancel each other out, effectively making the word neutral or meaningless? Does this lessen the appeal of the insult for the user, or is it only making me immune to its effects?
Assuming everyone is equal, it should be possible to reinterpret words. But even if the majority of society decides to reinterpret a word, will that ever truly change its meaning? Is an insult always an insult, or does the person on the receiving end have to view it as such?
Profound questions, hard to answer.
A lot of words have seen their meaning change with time and generations passing... A pejorative word today can be a compliment tomorrow. And vice versa...
For the use of an insult, however you take it doesn't change the fact that it came from a hateful person - or at least it was his state of mind at that time (except from irony and mockery, that can be done between friends), who was aiming to hurt you. If you take it any other way, good for you as it passes through, but I don't think it can change the intention of the person who said it. If you don't react to it, it can make him feel unheard, or not understood, feeling his opinion doesn't matter, and that can either make him let go or reinforce his hateful sentiment.
To try to answer your last question, an insult stays an insult, whatever how the receiver interprets it. But the way the receiver reacts can change the opinion of the insulter, but only with communication. But with some people, communication is impossible.
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