I don't much care for the term teabagger, but it is their own coinage. see here: http://theweek.com/article/index/202620/the-evolution-of-the... and think back to the many pictures of people suspending tea bags from hats etc., until they became aware of the slang meaning of the term. While they've tried to drop it and call themselves Tea Partiers, they've shown little inclination to temper their criticisms of others with civility or moderation, so far. Perhaps this electoral defeat will prompt some soul-searching.

Dude, I'm from Indiana and it's what they call themselves. I know what the term means to you people from cities, but come on, is that even real? Why?

I think within recent context, this is no longer the case. I'm not a member of the tea party movement, but I'm pretty sure it's seen as a derogatory term these days.