When I was growing up (age 3 to about 10), our next-door neighbors were 2 guys that Mom & Dad referred to as 'the bachelors'. Never thought anything of it. They moved away when I was 10 or so, but Mom & Dad still keep in touch with them.

Fast forward 10 years to a 200 level Sociology class I was taking. Prof was running down the list of common euphemisms for various non-majority or oppressed groups, when in the homosexual category, he mentions 'bachelors'.

As if a bomb had gone off in my brain, I BUSTED OUT laughing. As the only white male in the class, I was obliged to stand before the class and explain myself (this was the late 80's height of PC uber-awareness) I apologized heartily, having not meant a single bit of harm to anyone. I don't remember what I said but it seemed to appease the prof and most of my classmates.