Jessica PingWord of the Week: Cripple
In this blog post, I will do a close examination of the word “cripple” and explain why it is ableist and what words you should be using instead.
*Disclosure: There are affiliate links in the following article, meaning that, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links, I will receive a small commission.
Definitions of Cripple* – Merriam Webster
Noun
1. Offensive a: a lame or partly disabled person or animal b: one that is disabled or deficient in a specified manner
2. something flawed or imperfect
Adjective
- being lame, flawed, or imperfect
Verb
1. to deprive of the use of a limb and especially a leg
2. to deprive of capability for service or of strength, efficiency, or wholeness
*All forms of the word are ableist and should be avoided in regular discourse.
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.
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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.
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 “Cripple.” Keep reading to learn why this word is inherently ableist and discover alternatives you can begin to use in its place.
How is “Cripple” Ableist?
As usual, I am going to refer back to the definition first. In both the noun and adjective section of the definition, the words “flawed” and “imperfect” are used. Additionally, the second definition in the verb section is particularly problematic because it equates “cripple” with a lack of “wholeness.”
The issue with “cripple” becomes painfully obvious once you place its original definition next to the ones that we, as a society, have crafted above. Stemming from the Old English words “crypel,” meaning to creep (ie. limp) and “creopere,” or someone that creeps (ie. limps), you can see that the word originated as a pure identifier/descriptor.
Now, does that mean that “cripple” was not said with malice a thousand years ago? No, it very well may have been. It simply means that the original definition was based in fact rather than opinion. Our present day definition has allowed our society’s biases and assumptions of the disability community to influence and expand the ways in which we use the word.
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Through the creation of multiple tenses and the addition of belief, the word now has such strong negative connotations that any use of any form of the term is considered offensive by many in the disability community, especially, of course, when it’s directly being used as a slur.
Long story short: by using the word “cripple,” instead of some of the alternative words suggested below, you are succumbing to ableism by perpetuating the negative held beliefs surrounding people with disabilities.
Why People With Disabilities Can Use “Crip” As A Self-Identifier
You may be familiar with the hashtag “Crip The Vote” or see Facebook Groups entitled “Crip Community.” Many people with disabilities are actively seeking to reclaim the word as their own. It serves as both an identifier and a unifier. That said, this does not give those outside of the disability community the right to use the word in reference to someone who is disabled. As explained above, “crip” has strong offensive undertones and, therefore, should never be used by someone who is not referring to themselves or their own community.
October Book of the Month
Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century
Alternative Words To Use Instead:
- Disabled
- Injured
- Immobilize
- Incapacitate
- Debilitate
- Damage
- Hurt
Alternative Sentences:
Instead of: The effects of Covid-19 have severely crippled the economy.
Try: The effects of Covid-19 have severely immobilized the economy.
Instead of: My friend crippled herself in a skiing accident.
Try: My friend injured herself in a skiing accident.
Why Use Alternative Words and Phrases?
The reason you should really consider transitioning “cripple” 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.
September Book of the Month
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
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