Today’s word is “spaz.” Keep reading to learn why this word is inherently ableist and discover alternatives you can begin to use in its place.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – Lame Edition
When you use the word “lame” to describe something, what do you usually mean? For me, “lame” always meant that something was boring or uncool. But, if you take notice of the definitions above, you’ll see that these synonyms are not the word’s true meanings.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – Insane Edition
Insane Definition:
in a state of mind which prevents normal perception, behavior, or social interaction; seriously mentally ill.
(of an action or quality) characterized or caused by madness.
extremely annoyed.
extremely foolish; irrational.
shocking; outrageous.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – Idiot and Idiotic
Today’s words are “idiot and idiotic.” Keep reading to learn why these words are inherently ableist and discover alternatives you can begin to use in their place.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Handicapable” Edition
Today’s word is “handicapable.” Keep reading to learn why this word is inherently ableist and discover alternatives you can begin to use in its place.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Handicap” Edition
Similar to the last word we evaluated as part of the Ableist Language Series here on The Rolling Explorer, the word, “handicap,” has a very clear offense warning within the definition itself. But, in case that wasn’t enough, let’s talk about the other reasons you should avoid using this word.
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Dumb” Edition
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 are from the Merriam Webster Dictionary
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Differently-Abled” Edition
How Is “Differently-Abled” Ableist?
To understand the answer to this question, we must first examine the reason WHY people use “differently-abled” as their go-to term to describe someone with a disability.
The simple answer is this: they believe “differently-abled” is less offensive than the disabled person’s actual identity (disabled).
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Deranged” Edition
Definition of “deranged”
1. mentally unsound
2. disturbed or disordered in function, structure, or condition
3. wildly odd or eccentric
All definitions are from the Merriam Webster dictionary
Ableist Language To Avoid And Acceptable Alternatives – “Deformed” Edition
“Deformed” is not a stand alone descriptor. It is always in reference to something else, even if that something else is not expressly mentioned. It is a comparative tool, and a hurtful one at that.