this post was submitted on 17 Feb 2026
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What were some slurs against other races, sexes etc like we do today in Roman times up until now? Like for ex what would be the equivelant of a Spartan calling a Athenian slur. Why type? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by Patnou@lemmy.world to c/askhistorians@lemmy.world
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[–] GandalftheBlack@feddit.org 2 points 1 month ago

The Latin word furcifer literally means "yoke-bearer" as a pejorative/slur for slaves. Latin textbooks tend to translate it as scoundrel or something tame like that, so it was probably generalised as an insult.