Jessica PingWord of the Week – “Dumb”
In this blog post, I will do a close examination of the word “dumb” and explain why you should avoid using this word in your everyday language.
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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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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 “dumb.” 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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Definition of “Dumb”
1a: lacking intelligence: STUPID
1b: showing a lack of intelligence
1c: requiring no intelligence
2a: lacking the human power of speech
2b of a person, dated, offensive, lacking the ability to speak: MUTE
3: temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or astonishment)
4: not expressed in uttered words
5: SILENT
*All definitions from Merriam Webster
Why Is “Dumb” Ableist?
First of all, let’s discuss the warning presented before definition 2b. It states that the word “dumb” is offensive only when referring to a person who cannot speak. That’s false. The word “dumb” is always offensive due to its ableist history.
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You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth
According to The Online Etymology Dictionary, dumb has roots going back to the Old English Language as well as the proto-Germanic language. The English word was used to describe someone who was unable to speak while the German term “dumbaz” meant dull and confused. In society today, while we mainly have come to adopt the German definition, humanity has a history of combining the two to create something ugly. Hence, the large number of definitions above.
Discussing ability level and intelligence in the same sentence is always ableist, even if it’s a compliment. So, because “dumb” references both ability level and intelligence, it is inherently ableist and should not be used in any context. Furthermore, conversations about intelligence are often viewed as ableist, as well. Many people with disabilities have unequal educational opportunities. Additionally, people with developmental disabilities, learning disabilities, or mental disabilities are often unable to progress through traditional education at the same pace as their nondisabled peers.
Growing up, I heard the word “dumb” used as an insult all the time, particularly when a student would struggle to read, or would require extra assistance from an aid. This proves that even when someone is unfamiliar with the history of the word “dumb” it is still ableist.
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Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century
Alternative Words To Use Instead Of “Dumb”
- Confused
- Uneducated
- Ridiculous
- Outlandish
- Ill-informed
- Unaware
- Ignorant
Remember, whenever you discuss someone’s intelligence, you should keep the P-word in mind (privilege). Not everyone has the same access to education. Always try to use language that shows potential for growth if new information is provided instead of automatically defaming someone’s entire mind.
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