The Brief: Although its literal definition is a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the term "autist" is commonly used as a slur online.
DEEP DIVE
In “edgy” online communities, the word “autist” is a slur and insult. By implying that having autism is a negative thing, the word becomes a slur against autistic people. The term is popular on the Wall Street Bets subreddit where members refer to themselves and each other as “autists.” On WSB, the term may be used generally or to suggest that someone is bad at trading stocks.
Examples:
Autist in my Discord YOLO’d $7k into $200k+ from wallstreetbets