How can an author be more careful? By never using any word that can possibly be distorted? That's hopeless, and has a more deleterious effect on communication than the misunderstandings it seeks to prevent.
As an avid English speaker, I wholeheartedly reject this notion of turning the language into a minefield of words you absolutely must avoid even when nobody is likely to misinterpret them.
I think 'urban slang' obviously refers to the language of a particular socio-economic group, and that avoiding using it in an inappropriate context is just as simple as not swearing in front of your grandmother or not blurting out to every attractive woman you meet that you want to have sex with her or whatever. I mean, really, do you have Tourette's or something? You never think it's appropriate to filter the words that first come to mind to say?
You never think it's appropriate to filter the words that first come to mind to say?
I have explicitly stated otherwise in a prior post. You're choosing to actively distort my words. Please don't do that. We disagree on the degree. I find the degree of self-censorship you advocate to be excessive.
As an avid English speaker, I wholeheartedly reject this notion of turning the language into a minefield of words you absolutely must avoid even when nobody is likely to misinterpret them.