Ranma ½ Zero Interface

[varth]

We're talking about throwing insults here, not legal definitions. Calling someone "plebe" does carry implication of inferiority, but going as far to use "serf", means underlining not only inferiority, but insult by implying near slave status of being owned "by us nobles". Imagine, just before secession war in US, a southerner saying to northern free afroamerican "dirty slaves should know their place", it would be something similar.

Anyway, Ranma's status as a rebelious and powerful human summoned by youngest, underage daugter of powerful aristocrat, and a daughter that did not prove her status as mage, is completly outside any form, legal or otherwise.

 

[shioran toushin]

arguing semantics: using Serf would not imply 'being (directly) owned by nobles' directly (and it would not be that insulting in comparsion to this other meaning) but "be thankful piece of dirt that anything you can 'do' is because we Nobles allow you to", on the other hand Peasant would be another word.

but really and honestly any word can be used as a deraogatory remark because we are that assholish.

and in your example, well at least the asshole just told the afroamerican "slave" and not "monkey/ape/animal" like some PoS did and do to those of african lineage... or latinamercans.

 

[coconutED]

How about

peasant
peon
pariah (outcaste)
worm
pissant
mongrel
pawn
prole

 

[goldenarms]

Thanks for all the responses! For the time being, I'm going to stay with commoner. Definition-wise, it's the most fitting term for the non-magical faction of folks in Halkeginia:

noun
1. a common person, as distinguished from one with rank, status, etc.
2. British.

any person ranking below a peer; a person without a title of nobility.
a member of the House of Commons.
(at Oxford and some other universities) a student who pays for his or her commons and other expenses and is not supported by any scholarship or foundation.

Though plebeian would sort of work as well:

adjective
1. belonging or pertaining to the common people.
2. of, relating to, or belonging to the ancient Roman plebs.
3. common, commonplace, or vulgar:
a plebeian joke.

noun
4. a member of the common people.
5. a member of the ancient Roman plebs.

I may use it more as a description, or as an insultive term to the general populace. Or if I get really froggy, set up certain locations that address their commonfolk with different terms (in Romalia, they would call their commoners plebeians or plebs).

 

[Innortal]

Glad to see this is still alive, and the rework is great.