Why is ANY word used as a term of abuse?
Abuse in my experience comes from damaged and embittered people whose use of foul and abusive language/statements say far more about them than it ever could about the recipient. Sadly, for some, it seems the relative safety and anonymity afforded by cyberspace affords them carte blanche to behave in as simian and obnoxious a manner as they please, without fear of any consequences.