They are slurs if people intend them as slurs. This is how language works. Many current slurs were introduced as terms used in scientific and medical contexts. 🤷
And some insults are reclaimed by the groups being insulted and either cease to be insults altogether (like “queer” or “Protestant”) or are no longer viewed as insults within the community (though they still are from the outside, I won’t give an example but I think you’ll find one easily). Languages are fascinating living organisms!
They are slurs if people intend them as slurs. This is how language works. Many current slurs were introduced as terms used in scientific and medical contexts. 🤷
And some insults are reclaimed by the groups being insulted and either cease to be insults altogether (like “queer” or “Protestant”) or are no longer viewed as insults within the community (though they still are from the outside, I won’t give an example but I think you’ll find one easily). Languages are fascinating living organisms!