To those who eat meat: Is the term "meat eater" offensive to you?

'non-vegan' and 'non-vegetarian' are negative terms. It is best to avoid negativity as much as possible (which has always been a problem with the term 'non-smoker' for those of us who smoke and want to give it up). There is nothing wrong with the terms 'meat eater' or 'carnivore' (or 'omnivore'). The terms merely state something about the person's (oe animal's) diet. As an omnivore myself, I would consider it slightly odd (if not rather rude) to be called a 'non-vegetarian' ... as if there were something abnormal or wrong with eating meat. On the whole, what words you use to describe someone or something depend greatly on what company you are in and to whom you are speaking. If most of the people in a party were vegetarian and you needed to distinguish yourself from them (assuming that you don't mind eating meat), you might phrase it in several different ways, depending on what you wanted to convey. "I am a carnivore" might be considered assertive, even aggressive, in those circumstances, and "Oh, you are not a vegetarian?" might be considered rather less rude or direct than "Oh, so you are a meat-eater?". There is also something rather "awkward" about using 'non-' with these words. It is surely much more natural to say something like "He is a vegetarian but not a vegan" or "He is a vegetarian but eats dairy products." than to say "He is a vegetarian but a non-vegan."!

I agree with the others that I would rather be judged on my personality or anything else other than my dietary habits. Though, I must admit, that is a lot less offensive than "face eater", which I have heard before. The whole labeling thing has confused me in the past anyhow, with people who eat eggs, drink milk and eat fish considering themselves vegetarian; people who eat processed foods considering themselves vegan; and then those who say they are vegetarian, abstaining from eggs, milk and meats, but then eating mayo, everyday store bought fruit pies, jello or meringue. We actually consume very little animal products in our household. For varied reasons, but never really considered any label. We just eat like us, I suppose.

I don't really mind it. But I prefer to be called "non=vegetarian". I don't think it is wrong to eat meats. Actually the best diet is the balanced diet. Namely more vegetables and less meats. We still need the meats.

I think that term if used for humans are offensive. To animals, that is not a problem. I think we just have to avoid calling people those terms with what they eat. That's just my opinion. Have a nice day!

We are carnivores so being called a meat eater doesn't bother me one bit at all.

I actually find the other 2 terms more offensive than meat eater. I don't mind being called that at all though. When you say non vegetarian or non vegan it sounds like you're suggesting that what we are eating is wrong and yes I know vegans would argue it is but that's our choice

I don´t label people by what they eat. I know some of my friends cannot eat too much salt (hytertension) and I just put less salt in the food when I invite them. The same goes for diabetic friends. I avoid sugar then. As for meat, I usually have a meat with side dishes when I invite. I place bowls and spoons at the table and each person had what they want. That{ unless I know well my people and serve something beautiful for them. And thinking of labels, I don´t like to label people at all, if I can help it. I don´t understand why, when I go the the US, I have to state the I am either caucasian, latin, afro-american, chinese, whatever. Will anything change if I´m chequered? Labels, of any sort, are offensive for me. Take care!