Is the R-word now off limits?

The recent boycott of “Tropic Thunder” by various disability groups could have long term effects behind the movie itself.

It’s likely “Tropic Thunder” will be a smash. It serves up big laughs and a sterling performance by Robert Downey, Jr..

But the PC powers that be have decided that the R-word, “retard,” will soon be off limits in public discourse. Will that make the world better? Of course not. Will it give creative types pause every time they try to push the proverbial envelope? You betcha.

As luck would have it, I received “The Office: Season 4″ in the mail today. The four-disc set comes with a full script from an “Office” episode. I opened it up to a random page and the word “retard” jumped out at me.

Will “The Office” face a boycott? Will that episode, “The Dinner Party,” be edited in future airings?

(Photo: Steve Carell stars as the unctuous boss in NBC’s hit comedy “The Office.”)