deaf-and-dumb
/'defən'dʌm/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking the sense of hearing and the ability to speak: Describes a person who cannot hear and cannot speak. This term is now considered outdated and often offensive.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective:
- The old medical records used the term "deaf-and-dumb" to describe the patient's condition.
- Historically, schools for the "deaf-and-dumb" taught communication through sign language.
Important Usage Note
- Sensitivity and Modern Terminology: The term "deaf-and-dumb" is considered archaic and offensive in modern English. It is strongly discouraged in contemporary usage. The phrase implies a person is "dumb" (meaning mute) and carries an outdated, negative connotation of intellectual incapacity.
- Preferred Terms: The recommended, respectful terms are "deaf" (for a person with significant hearing loss) or "hard of hearing." If referring to an inability to speak, "nonverbal" or "mute" can be used, but it is crucial to specify the individual's preferred communication method (e.g., "a person who is deaf and uses sign language").
Variants and Related Words
- Deaf (adj): Lacking the power of hearing or having impaired hearing.
- Mute (adj): Refraining from speech; unable to speak. (Note: Also can be considered outdated/offensive when used as a noun.)
- Nonverbal (adj): Not involving or using words or speech.
- Deaf-mute (n/adj): An older term similar to "deaf-and-dumb," now also considered offensive.
Synonyms (with caution regarding offensiveness)
- Deaf-mute (adj): An outdated synonym with similar offensive connotations.
- Hearing and speech impaired (adj): A more clinical, descriptive phrase, though "impaired" can also be problematic for some. The most respectful approach is to use person-first, descriptive language.
Adjective
-
lacking the sense of hearing and the ability to speak
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