Quote Originally Posted by Sir Wilson
Language becomes offensive when it seeks to oppress
Yes, I accept that point. And historically (a long time ago) it can be said that Aboriginals have been oppressed. They were also referred to as Abos during that time. But I am not sure that the use of the term itself can be identified an an attempt to oppress (then or now).

I will accept that even today it is often perceived as a term of offence but I am not sure that this is valid. I also think that language is cultural heritage and our right to use terms should be defended against political correctness.

Calling a catholic a Fenian is perceived as an insult by most people but Fenian is term derived from Finn McCool and was a term used proudly by the Fenian Brotherhood themselves for a long time.

The Nigger parallel does not totally work since Abo (as John Elliot says) is in fact just an abbreviation of a recognised term whereas Nigger is really a total reworking of Negro and a totally separate word now.

Aussies famously abbreviate everything so to specifically avoid this abbreviation in particular seems stilted and unnatural.