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The word "bud" was delivered quickly and casually—most viewers would likely not even notice it on the first listen. Yet, this was enough to ignite outrage among certain critics and social media users, who claimed that Fallon’s use of "bud" was disrespectful, dismissive, or imbued with transphobic undertones.
Why Did "Bud" Spark Such Outrage?
Critics argued that calling Schafer "bud" was patronizing, belittling, and indicative of a broader tendency to dehumanize or diminish transgender individuals. They claimed that, for some, "bud" is a male-coded, diminutive term usually used for men, making its use in this context inappropriate and disrespectful.