In the Of Mice and Men story, Curley's provocative wife (played by Meg) calls the intellectually challenged George (played by Chris) an "imbecile." This term is directly taken from from the original John Steinbeck novella, published in 1937. Until the 1970's the word "imbecile" (along with "idiot" and "moron") was a standard term used to identify mentally disabled persons. Those labels were eventually replaced with currently accepted terms like mentally retarded and having autism spectrum disorder. So in context, Meg's use of the word is historically accurate, though politically incorrect in current times.
For any students relying on this cartoon episode to write their English class papers--as Stewie surmises--this tidbit may be worth a point or more toward their getting a passing grade. Good luck, kids.
For any students relying on this cartoon episode to write their English class papers--as Stewie surmises--this tidbit may be worth a point or more toward their getting a passing grade. Good luck, kids.