When I say, "self-taught computer scientist" I had in mind someone, much like myself that did not go through college to earn a comp-sci degree but instead learned on the job and solves problems scientifically rather than by brute force.
I agree with you that it is a bit a self-applied label that could be offensive to those who finished college and earned a degree. Much like someone calling themselves a doctor without getting a PhD.
You provided a good definition: solves problems scientifically rather than by brute force. I believe the essence of science comes from being able to think (and report your thinking) in a structured way. Meaning it is about content, but it is also about form.
And just so we can get this out of the way, I'm not in any way offended by people applying labels to themselves in good faith, I'm only slighted offended by people who are offended by that.
I agree with you that it is a bit a self-applied label that could be offensive to those who finished college and earned a degree. Much like someone calling themselves a doctor without getting a PhD.