Am I the only person who assumed “esteemed” was sarcastic?

I think the premise is that Ebola cases are currently only in Africa, so if a US citizen catches it, that means they’re already across the Atlantic Ocean and, yes, Europe would be closer.

I did find things referencing a 4-letter “T-word” that’s derogatory for transfolx: tr*p. I wonder if that may be what tripped you up?

If it is, it’s so new that Urban Dictionary hasn’t seen it before. It’s been used to mean vagina or generically a stupid/offensive person for forever.

Are you sure you’re not mistaken? Can you provide any sources?