• isosphere@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    A borderline racial slur about making things look good without substance behind the appearance: e.g.: “riced-up Honda civic”

      • isosphere@beehaw.org
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        1 year ago

        It’s “rice” because it’s asian; it’s a derogatory term used towards people and their cars. When I was younger, this term was used against asian drivers and their asian cars - and it was not a compliment.

        Looking at Urban Dictionary I see no mention of this anti-asian side of it, but it was there when I was growing up. Maybe others can chime in with their experience, I imagine it wasn’t the same everywhere.

        Not implying the people using it here are being racist, I don’t think they are aware of what I’m recalling here.

        • michaelmelanson@lemmy.ca
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          1 year ago

          The Wikipedia article says it’s derived from the term “rice burner” and talks about the history of the term.

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice_burner

          I can say I first heard the term about 20 years ago about cars with unnecessary decals and accessories, and it definitely had a racist connotation then.

          I certainly wouldn’t use the term myself and I cringe when people use it here.

      • Adderbox76@lemmy.ca
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        1 year ago

        Think of the movie Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift. It’s used to describe unnecessary modifications to a street racer (led lights, decals, etc…) that was mockingly called “ricing” because it was prevalent in the asian street racing communities. (rice eaters…har har har…)

        I thought I was the only one who cringed whenever I heard that word. But this thread is making me realize I’m not crazy.

    • creation7758@lemmy.ml
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      1 year ago

      I’m sure op didn’t mean it as a racial slur. The word might have a history but it means something entirely different today, at least in this context.

      • isosphere@beehaw.org
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        1 year ago

        I agree, but it should still be retired regardless of intended usage - history matters; we don’t have to mistakenly other people to show off cool screenshots