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For some high school and college students, the title might as well be, "Whoopee! Hooray!" =)

Something I never realized until recently: the term 'spaz' is often cited as one of the most offensive words in the UK.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spastic#Evolution_of_the_term_in_the_United_Kingdom

I am really sorry you used this term Jessica as I have followed your stuff since I came across it when you were speaking on the radio to Mr Penn . As Alexander
points out this is a most offensive term and even allowing for cross Atlantic translation, I am still sadly disappointed you would choose to use it .

UK Dan:
But it really has a completely different meaning over in the US. Just as 'shagging' is very innocent in the US and is far from its almost direct UK equivalent, 'fucking'. 'Spaz' in the US is almost entirely unoffensive and really just literally translates into "clumsy person". There's no reason for someone in the US to know its alternative meanings abroad.

"Spaz" isn't offensive here. It's hardly even used in the U.S. anymore, just like "groovy" or "pocketbook".

FWIW, I grew up in New England in the 70s & 80s (39 and holding)

I'd just like to point out that calling someone a 'spaz' in the US is just about equivalent to calling them a klutz. Not all that offensive, considering the other explicatives that pour from most of the mouths of American pop culture figures. I'd rather be called a 'spaz' than some of the labels we give each other today.

My two cents' worth, anyway.

FWIW..back at M.S.U. (Spartans) in the early 80's..we had a tall Asian cross country, kinda goofy and excitable yet studious room mate, who to all seemed almost "spastic" because of his high energy level. It go shortened to "Spaz". That fit him to the T... Had not heard the meaning in the UK. If Jessica uses it contextualy here in the states...I don't see any harm done... Excellent Work overall, cracks me up!

For me spaz means someone who will freak out for no reason... I can see why people could be really offended by the word, although I am not, it can be a very derogatory term!

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT :D

This totally happened at my high school.

I love your work. Great job! In fact, you may be the only "comic strip" that is consistently funny and never cruel or offensive. Plus, I have a weakness for the diagrams.

Spaz is very offensive in the UK, but when reading material that is aimed at or originates from another country which uses a different language then allowances have to be made.
I suggest anyone who is offended by the term to remember the americans have no concept of a wanker or what it means to show someone two fingers.