Epitaph Vs. Epithet

This is a grammar lesson for all reporters, wanna be reporters, and writers out there.

THE WORD IS EPITHET... SOMEONE USES A RACIAL EPITHET, NOT A RACIAL EPITAPH.
Actually, NO ONE should use racial epithets, but if you're going to refer to them in your story, you might as well use the right terminology.
See the definitions below... you'll understand. This is what prompted this missive.

ep·i·thet
–noun
1. any word or phrase applied to a person or thing to describe an actual or attributed quality: “Richard the Lion-Hearted” is an epithet of Richard I.
2. a characterizing word or phrase firmly associated with a person or thing and often used in place of an actual name, title, or the like, as “man's best friend” for “dog.”
3. a word, phrase, or expression used invectively as a term of abuse or contempt, to express hostility, etc.

ep·i·taph
–noun
1. a commemorative inscription on a tomb or mortuary monument about the person buried at that site.
2. a brief poem or other writing in praise of a deceased person. –verb (used with object)
3. to commemorate in or with an epitaph.