I "never"use this term, nor any term or word when refering to groups of people that I understand would have a negative connotation. And, yes, I frequently call people to task when they use similar words or terms.

In my community, the term would be considered offensive, and it is rarely heard.


Amazingly, it was not until a few years ago that I camevto know that the word Eskimo is considered offensive to some of the nortnern peoples. I was very embarassed when I used it, and was advised of this-I thanked the person for letting me know. (I really don't know how that one escaped me).