Different names for the same thing. *probably safe*

[flippinterp]

I tend to refer to it as cutting. It's the most direct way of saying what I actually do, without being overly graphic. I know there are other forms of SI, but cutting is the most common for me.

I don't have a problem with the terms "self harm" and "self injury," especially if I'm talking to a Dr or a therapist. They seem very "clinical," but it wouldn't be too weird if a friend used them either. However, I have had friends and other people refer to it as "self mutilation" and "slitting." Those really irked me, and I specifically asked that friend NOT to call it mutilation. While SI isn't a good thing, calling it mutilation makes it sound way worse than it actually is (especially if the physical damage isn't that bad).

[Mocha Happiness]

For me, it depends entirely on who I'm talking to, and what the purpose is.
Online, I like the acronyms. I prefer SI over SH, but that's just a matter of opinion. I'm also more likely to use terms like self harm as opposed to mentioning the act.
Talking to my friends who do it, we usually refer to it as "doing something stupid." Or occasionally as cutting, if we're feeling blunt.
When talking to people who don't do it, it gets more complicated.
I usually just tell it like it is. (Cutting, burning, etc...) But it depends on the situation.
The only thing that I really can't stand is when people make hand gestures.
I understand why self-mutilation is commonly used in the professional world, as you are basically damaging a vital organ (Skin). However that doesn't mean I enjoy hearing it.
Question (Kind of.):

The following content has been hidden - Reason : Triggering

And about the term "carve up":
I was under the impression that "carving" was the generally accepted term for when one cuts words or symbols. Does anyone else actually use that term?

[Alone and Scared]

I use SH as an acronym, and if I'm pushed to explain what I mean I will say Self Harm as a proper term......

However, I never, ever call it Self Harm on a normal basis and it took me over a year to accept that what I was doing was SH. To me what I was doing wasn't serious, and it was just something I did, nothing more, nothing less.

I now kind of..... Ahem..... Accept that I SH, but if I am questioned or have to say anything in therapy, I will call it 'my hurting myself'.... Or 'I hurt myself'.... I never, ever use the term 'cutter' as I don't like it at all. Plus I don't talk about it at all.......

I don't like any of the horrible terms used for it and most of them make me feel sick. Luckily the professionals I have seen have only ever referred to it as self harm or 'You cut yourself' - I think if they ever referred to any of the horrible 'hidden' words on here, I may never, ever speak to them, ever, again! I find them repulsive!

[I.Heart.And]

I call it self harm.
I dislike the term 'self mutilation' because it sounds vile.

[Coaster]

Same as above.... I call it Self-harm or SI (the acronym) and don't like saying "cutting" (even though that's what it is). I HATE self-mutilation.

[Alone and Scared]

Also, I'm slightly worried that this is going to turn into tip sharing and, by accident, giving people different ideas? x

[crimsondrummer]

i just say self harm or usually "hurt myself". ive scars so wen, if ever i do refere 2 it people no what i mean

[quiet1]

i too find the term self-mutilation vile. its not as though i have removed a body part and then sewn it to another body part. or smashed myself beyond recognition. i would think of an animal that had been hit by a car something that was mutilated. enough...i could go on for hours. in any case...that's not what i do.

i don't like uttering the words at all. if i HAVE to...its self-harm. or self injury. i don't ever like saying what it is that i did...like "cutting" or hitting or whatever. i have many more subtle ways of SI that don't fit into a neat little box. its hard to lump them in. i feel like such a dilbert when i try to talk about it. like my face swallows my words. so...i avoid it as much as possible.
i just use the blanket self "harm" or "injury" because the end result is a physical mark/injury. i hurt myself is another easy way to describe it. it says it all.