Words have power. They shape your thoughts, influence your attitudes, and impact those around you. In everyday conversations, you often use phrases without realizing their hidden meanings or potential to hurt others. This is especially true when it comes to ableist language – expressions that discriminate against people with disabilities, whether intentionally or not.
Being mindful of your choice of words is essential to creating a more inclusive society. In this blog, I’ll explore 15 common ableist phrases and offer alternative ways to express the same ideas without marginalizing people with disabilities.
Crazy
This word is often used casually to describe unusual situations or behavior. However, it’s a term that stigmatizes mental health conditions. Using this word can make light of serious mental health issues. Instead, try using words like “wild,” “intense,” or “unbelievable” to describe surprising situations.
Lame
Originally used to describe people with physical disabilities, “lame” is now often used to mean uncool or boring. This usage is hurtful to people with mobility impairments. It equates having a disability with being inferior. Consider using words like “boring,” “uninteresting,” or “disappointing” instead.
Dumb
While commonly used to mean stupid, “dumb” originally referred to people who couldn’t speak. Using this word as an insult is disrespectful to people with speech or cognitive disabilities. It’s better to use more specific words to describe what you mean, like “uninformed,” “illogical,” or “thoughtless.”
Cripple
This term is offensive when used to describe people with physical disabilities. It reduces a person to their disability and ignores their other qualities. The word also gets misused as a verb to mean severely damaged or impaired. Instead, use “person with a disability” when talking about people and “severely limit” or “greatly reduce” for other contexts.
Blind to
Saying someone is “blind to” something implies that blindness equals ignorance. This expression can be hurtful to people with visual impairments. It perpetuates the false idea that blind people are unaware or uninformed. Try using words like “unaware,” “ignoring,” or “overlooking” to express this concept.
Tone deaf
This phrase is often used to describe someone insensitive or unaware. However, it makes light of an actual hearing condition. Using this term can be hurtful to real tone-deaf people. Instead, consider saying “insensitive,” “oblivious,” or “out of touch” to convey the same meaning.
OCD
Casually saying you’re “so OCD” about being neat trivializes a severe mental health condition. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a complex anxiety disorder that can severely impact people’s lives. It’s not just about liking things organized. If you want to describe your preferences, try saying “particular,” “detail-oriented,” or “perfectionist” instead.
Bipolar
Using “bipolar” to describe regular mood changes or the weather misrepresents a serious mental health condition. Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings that significantly disrupt daily life. It’s not the same as being indecisive or moody. Consider using “unpredictable,” “changeable,” or “volatile” to describe rapidly changing situations.
Psycho
This word is often used to describe someone acting irrationally or aggressively. However, it’s a shortening of “psychopath” or “psychotic,” which are real mental health conditions. Using it casually stigmatizes mental illness. Try using more specific words like “irrational,” “aggressive,” or “out of control” instead.
Spaz
Derived from “spastic,” this word is highly offensive, especially in some countries. It is a form of muscular weakness often associated with cerebral palsy. Using it as slang or an insult is very disrespectful. If you want to describe clumsy or excited behavior, use words like “clumsy,” “overexcited,” or “energetic” instead.
Retarded
This word is highly offensive when used to insult or describe something negatively. It was once a medical term but is now considered a slur against people with intellectual disabilities. There’s no good reason to use this word. Replace it with words that accurately describe what you mean, like “foolish,” “ridiculous,” or “absurd.”
Schizo
Short for schizophrenic, this term is often misused to mean unpredictable or having split personalities. Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that doesn’t actually involve multiple personalities. Using this term casually stigmatizes a severe illness. If you mean inconsistent, say that instead, or use words like “contradictory” or “erratic.”
Crutch
This word can be offensive when used metaphorically to mean something that props up bad behavior. It implies that mobility aids, which many people rely on, are negative things. This usage subtly puts down people who use crutches or other mobility devices. Try using “excuse” or “prop” instead to convey a similar meaning without the ableist undertones.
Differently abled
Although meant to be polite, many people with disabilities find this term patronizing. It implies that disabilities are just differences, which can minimize the real challenges people face. It’s also vague and doesn’t communicate someone’s needs. It’s usually better to say “person with a disability” or, when relevant, name the specific disability.
Stand up for yourself
This common phrase assumes everyone can physically stand, which isn’t true for many people with disabilities. It equates physical standing with assertiveness and strength. While not always offensive, it can feel exclusionary. Consider using more inclusive phrases like “speak up for yourself,” “defend yourself,” or “advocate for yourself” instead.CopyRetr
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