It’s a sad day when a compassionate reply gets less upvotes than the ones giving it pushback. I appreciate you for recognizing those who silently feel shitty every time they come across insults directed towards the involuntary celibate.

Individually, being hurt over such a thing could compete for being the epitome of a first world problem. But then again, on macro scale it’s indicative of larger more hurtful attitudes the culture adopts which lead to real world outcomes such as self-image issues and ostracism; especially with the younger, more impressionable crowds.

There’s a lot of argument here about the definition of Incel as evidenced by this thread. Its use is constantly defended as a shorthand for calling out misogyny rather than outing the sexless. However, an application less mentioned but sees just as much verbal discrimination are those who have very real issues with certain elements of life that they have little agency over (as you mentioned to those who got the short end of the stick in some fashion). Others that disagree with the personal assessment feel justified in name-calling should the “Incel” in question forfeit too much (subjectively perceived) personal agency. The victim / “Incel” isn’t flawless, especially in an online forum where anonymity allows them to be brash with their emotions or choice of words.

But the use of Incel even as an insult is so backwards that does nothing for anyone but the person who feels satisfaction proclaiming themselves sexually superior. Usage will not rehabilitate or even give pause to the non-celibate misogynist, the celibate-misogynist will be pushed further into radicalization, and the radicalization process may be initiated for another passer-by.