Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives

Word of the Week: Bonkers

Introduction To The Ableist Language Series:

Ableist language perpetuates the inferiority of people with disabilities. At its core, it is oppressive, derogatory, and hurtful, no matter the intention behind its usage.

I guarantee that you use ableist language every single day without even realizing it. It rolls off the tongue naturally because it’s hardly ever questioned.

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Here on The Rolling Explorer, I am going to start questioning it.

As an advocate for disability rights, I was appalled when I realized how common ableist language was in my own vocabulary. Of course, like many of you, I was uneducated and unaware of the implications behind my word choice. Our systemically ableist society has allowed these words and phrases to grow in popularity for too long. It’s time for a change.

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Every other week, I will be sharing a blog post that highlights one of the words from the downloadable glossary above. These posts will provide definitions, explanations, as well as alternative words and phrases to use in place of the one being examined.

Today’s word is “Bonkers.” Keep reading to learn why this word is inherently ableist and discover alternatives you can begin to use in its place.

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Bonkers

Dictionary.com definition: “Mentally unbalanced; mad, crazy”

How is this Ableist Language?

First of all, let’s examine the definition of “bonkers.” All three of the descriptions used in the definition above are ableist and will have their own feature article in the weeks to come.

Mental illness is nothing to take lightly. Millions of people around the world are impacted by a variety of mental disorders. The constant utilization of terms like “bonkers” serves as an unpleasant reminder to these individuals of their status in society.

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For the most part, you hear “bonkers” used in a flippant, offhanded way. “The fans went bonkers when One Direction took the stage,” or, “Stay tuned, this next story is totally bonkers!” It is clear that the intention behind these statements is to promote exaggeration and excitement, not to display negativity towards mental illness.

However, there is a strong association between the word “bonkers’ and mental illness. So, even when you use the term in a seemingly harmless way, it’s still rooted in ableism.

Now, of course, like all language that is belittling by nature, there are more unfavorable routes to take with this word. For example, anytime you use the term as an adjective to describe a person’s behavior or character, you are being particularly derogatory. Not only is it insulting, but it has a much deeper meaning behind it, as well.

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If you’re going to insult someone, at least be honest. Chances are, the action you are upset with is not related to mental illness. It’s more likely a specific negative action, a negative trait (such as being a gossip, for example), or something else.

Alternative Words To Use Instead:

Wild
Irrational
Ridiculous
Silly
Absurd
Strange
Unnatural
Outrageous
Out of this world
Exciting

Alternative Sentences to the Negative Examples Provided Above

Instead of: “The fans went bonkers when One Direction took the stage.”

Try: “The fans roared to life when One Direction took the stage.”

Instead of: “Stay tuned, this next story is totally bonkers!”

Try: “Stay tuned, this next story is out of this world exciting!”

Instead of: I can’t believe that, she is completely bonkers!

Try: “I can’t believe that, she is completely irrational.”

Why Use Alternative Words and Phrases?

The number one reason you should really consider transitioning “bonkers” out of your everyday vocabulary and replacing it with some of the examples above is because of its ableist connection. It really is that simple.