retards (regards)

A single missing letter or an overeager autocorrect can turn a polite sign-off into an offensive or confusing word. If you see "retards" where you meant "regards," fix it at once and use safer sign-offs or saved signatures to avoid repeat errors.

Below: a quick fix, why the mistake matters, many copy-and-paste replacements, short correction templates, prevention tips, and a small FAQ.

Quick answer

"Regards" is the correct email sign-off. "Retards" is usually read as an offensive slur; it is only sometimes a technical verb meaning "slows down." If you meant a sign-off, replace it with "Regards" or a safer alternative like "Best" or "Thanks."

If unsent: swap the sign-off for a saved signature or "Best" and resend.
If already sent to a few people: reply with a one-line correction: "Apologies - typo in my last email; I meant 'Regards.'"
If sent widely or sensitive: send a short correction publicly and privately apologize to anyone directly affected.

Core explanation: difference and why it matters

"Regards" is a neutral, common sign-off (Best regards, Kind regards). "Retards" can be the third-person singular of "to retard" (rare, technical) but is most often read as a derogatory slur when used about people.

Recipients usually interpret the offensive meaning first, so treat the typo seriously: correct and, if needed, apologize briefly.
If you mean "slows down," use plain verbs (slows, delays, reduces, impedes) to avoid ambiguity.

Real usage and tone: pick the safest sign-offs

Short, clear sign-offs or saved signatures reduce the chance of an autocorrect swap. Choose formality to match the recipient.

Formal: "Sincerely," "Yours sincerely."
Neutral/professional: "Best regards," "Kind regards."
Casual: "Thanks," "Best," "Cheers."

Work: "Best regards, Maria" - professional and unlikely to be changed by autocorrect.
School: "Kind regards, Emily" - respectful for professors or TAs.
Casual: "Thanks! - Sam" - avoids "regards" entirely.

Examples: realistic wrong → right pairs you can copy

Copy these corrected lines into your message. Replace names or details as needed.

Wrong (work signature): "Retards, Thomas" - Right: "Regards, Thomas"
Wrong (team update): "Hi team, retards," - Right: "Hi team - thanks for the update," or "Hi team, regards,"
Wrong (support reply): "Retards, Customer Support" - Right: "Kind regards, Customer Support"
Wrong (to TA): "Retards, Emily" - Right: "Best regards, Emily"
Wrong (professor): "Retards, Prof. Martin" - Right: "Sincerely, [Your name]" or "Best regards, Prof. Martin"
Wrong (technical feedback): "This solution retards the process" - Right: "This solution slows the process" or "This approach reduces throughput"
Wrong (group chat): "Okay retards" - Right: "Okay, thanks!" or "Okay, everyone"
Wrong (farewell): "See you later, retards" - Right: "See you later, all!" or "See you soon, friends!"
Wrong (one-word sign-off): "Retards." - Right: "Thanks." or "Regards."

How to fix your sentence now: short templates and rewrites

Pick a template based on whether the message was sent and how many people saw it. Keep corrections short and factual.

Uns ent (unsent): Replace "Retards, Alice" with "Best regards, Alice" or paste your saved signature and send.
Sent to a few people (reply): "Apologies - typo in my previous message; I meant 'Regards.'"
Sent widely or sensitive (public + private): "I'm sorry for the offensive typo in my earlier email. That was not my intent; I meant 'Regards.' I apologize to anyone offended."
Rewrite to avoid risk: "Thanks for your help - I appreciate it. Best, Jordan."
Formal alternative: "Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Ahmed."
Casual alternative: "Appreciate it - cheers, Mia."

Try your own sentence

Context matters. Paste the whole sentence into a draft and read it aloud - that usually reveals whether the phrasing is safe and clear.

Hyphenation, spacing and keyboard checks to prevent the typo

Most errors come from speed, missed letters, or aggressive autocorrect. A few small checks stop most mistakes.

Proofread the sign-off line on its own before you hit send - it takes a second and prevents trouble.
Add "regards" and common signatures to your device's personal dictionary so autocorrect learns them.
Use saved signatures in your email client instead of typing the sign-off every time.

Spacing: typing "Bestregards" without a space may trigger odd corrections. Type "Best regards," (space and comma).
Dictionary: create a text shortcut (e.g., "brg" → "Best regards,") so you paste the correct phrase.
Signature: keep three saved signatures (formal, neutral, casual) and copy/paste the appropriate one.

Grammar notes: when "retards" is technically correct - and why to avoid it

Technically "retards" can be the third-person singular of "to retard" (e.g., "the material retards heat transfer"). That usage is mostly limited to technical writing. In everyday correspondence the word will usually be read as offensive or confusing.

If you mean "slows down," use: slows, delays, reduces, impedes.
Reserve "retards" for narrow technical contexts where the audience expects the term.

Technical (acceptable): "The damping material retards vibration in the chassis."
Clearer: "The damping material reduces vibration in the chassis."

Memory tricks and small habits to avoid the typo

Tiny habits beat speed and autocorrect: pause, check, reuse.

Pause after the first three letters of a sign-off: if it reads r-e-t, correct it to r-e-g before finishing.
Mnemonic: "g for good" - make the letter g your final check for polite endings.
Keep three saved signatures and copy/paste them instead of typing each time.

Practice: at the start of the day paste your saved signatures into a draft so clean options are always at hand.

Similar mistakes to watch for (other dangerous autocorrect swaps)

Autocorrect can turn harmless words into embarrassing or offensive ones. Use the same prevention steps: personal dictionary, saved text shortcuts, and a quick proofread.

Examples to watch for: "pubic" instead of "public", "form" vs "from", truncated profanity from rushed typing.
When a word looks surprising, reword the sentence instead of relying on a single corrected token.

Wrong: "Pubic report attached." -
Right: "Public report attached."
Wrong: "Please send the file form me." -
Right: "Please send the file to me."
Wrong (truncated): "I'll be there in a sec-shit." - Right: "I'll be there in a sec."

FAQ

Did autocorrect change regards to retards - what should I do?

If unsent: swap the sign-off for a saved signature or a simple "Best" and resend. If already sent: reply with a one-line correction such as "Apologies - typo in my previous message; I meant 'Regards.'" Offer a brief private apology to anyone offended.

Is "retards" ever acceptable to use?

Only rarely in narrow technical contexts as a verb meaning "slows down." In normal communication avoid it because most readers will see the offensive meaning first.

How can I stop my phone from changing "regards"?

Add "regards" to your personal dictionary, create a text shortcut for a full signature (e.g., "brg" → "Best regards,"), or save and paste signatures from your email app.

What should I say instead of "Regards" if I'm worried about a typo?

Safe alternatives: "Best," "Best regards," "Kind regards," "Sincerely," or "Thanks." For informal messages: "Thanks," "Cheers," "All the best."

I sent it to a large group - how do I apologize without making it worse?

Keep it short and factual: reply or send a follow-up with "Apologies - typo in my previous message; I meant 'Regards.'" If people raise concerns, address them privately and avoid long public explanations.

Quick check before you send

If unsure, swap a manually typed sign-off for a saved signature or a short unambiguous word like "Thanks." Add "regards" to your device dictionary and set up a text shortcut so you paste the correct phrase every time.