ever since i realized a noticeable portion of my vocabulary was ableist, i’ve been more keen to notice the same ableist language other ppl’s speech. so here’s a thread of ableist words n some alternatives bc once u know n are offered a solution, ignoring it is a deliberate choice

disclaimer, this is not an exhaustive list. n even tho our intentions in using these words are “harmless”, it’s worthwhile to reflect on the oppressive roots of the language u use and to consider being more conscious of how common word/phrasing are perpetuating ableist ideas

source (check out this page if you’d like more detail): https://www.autistichoya.com/p/ableist-words-and-terms-to-avoid.html?m=1

as the author lydia says, this isn’t to condemn anyone but to bring awareness for linguistic microagressions and casual ableism. with this knowledge we can make more informed and intentional choices!

alternatives for tone-deaf/deafly:
- insensitive
- read the room
- tactless
- careless
- oblivious
- obtuse
- (willfully) ignorant

alternatives for blind/blindly/turned a blind eye:
- turning their back on
- deliberately ignoring
- neglect
- overlook
- indiscriminately
- thoughtlessly
- unquestionably

alternatives for idiot/dumb:
- ignorant
- dipshit
- bot (my bf and i use this one lol)
- dense
- uninformed

alternatives for crazy/insane:
- ridiculous
- absurd
- wild
- thrilling
- exciting
- unreal
- unbelievable
- surreal
- silly

alternatives for lame:
- boring
- uninteresting
- monotonous
- weak
- sad

alternatives for psycho/psychopath:
- scary
- out of control
- selfish
- self-centered
- toxic
- manipulative

alternatives for spaz:
- clutzy
- clumsy
- forgetful
- impulsive
- reckless

alternatives to crippled/crippling/paralyzed:
- frozen by
- overwhelming
- stuck
- incapacitating
- taken aback
- surprised

these r a fraction of terms that have been used to describe disability or has been historically weaponized to marginalize people who r disabled. now we conflate these terms with ignorance n incompetence. what does that say about how we as a society view disability? thots 2 ponder

alternatives to “did i stutter”:
- i said what i said
- i meant what i said
- period !

ty to the ppl who taught me how “read the room” can be ableist ! not everyone is able to read social cues/understand indirect communication. this was one of my fave clapbacks but the slight discomfort of changing my vocab is worth it in exchange for not enforcing ableist ideas

alternatives to half-heartedly:
- half-assed
- unenthusiastically
- lackluster