For better or for worse, I’ve gotten more and more used to the words “retard” and “retarded.” They don’t sting the way they used to. I know they are usually just careless and thoughtless, not intentional jibes at a group of human beings whose IQ is lower than average. But I still think it is worth pointing out that people who are otherwise very careful about their language–people who would never use slurs to describe racial groups or sexual orientation–nonetheless have not eradicated the “r-word” from their vocabulary.

Actress Jennifer Aniston is the latest in a string of public figures to take heat for using the word “retard.”

While appearing on Live with Regis and Kelly on Thursday, Aniston was asked about a photo shoot appearing in the September issue of Harper’s Bazaar where the actress poses in styles reminiscent of iconic Barbra Streisand images.

Host Regis Philbin said, “you’re playing dress up.” Aniston replied, “Yes, I play dress up. I do it for a living, like a retard.”