This word has always bothered me.  Not when it is used properly. The word itself is not offensive.  But rather how people most often use it.  It has become an insult of degradation.  It has become synonymous with inflicting pain and callousness.

It can be cutting, it can be casual, it can be severe and it can be a joke.

Just don't use it. It was an innocent word.  

Now it only harms those who are innocent.