40 Alternatives to These Ableist and Oppressive Words

Image via Shutterstock

There has been lots of conversation surrounding ableism and the language used to insult or describe faulty behavior to people. Before we move forward, let's define ableism-according to Dictionary.com is discrimination against disabled people. Ableism can take the form of ideas and assumptions, stereotypes, attitudes and practices, physical barriers in the environment, or larger scale oppression. 

One way to change ableist behavior is to start with the language we use. We often use words that are ableist that we aren't aware of because sadly it is everyday language. Words such as stupid, crazy, lame etc. There are many words we can replace these with to stop contributing to ableist behavior, check them out below. 

via: Care2.com

If you mean frustrating or perplexing – ”This is so stupid!” or “That’s retarded!” –consider:

1. Frustrating

2. Pointless

3. Annoying

4. Irritating

5. Obnoxious

If you mean intense – ”Woah, crazy!” — consider:

6. Intense

7. Awesome

. Amazing

9. Wild

10. Fascinating

If you mean bad or unpleasant – ”Wow, that’s lame!” — consider:

11. Bad

12. Awful

13. Uncool

14. Gross

15. The pits

If you mean it as an intensifier, positive or negative – ”She’s a crazy good artist!” or “This is insanely difficult!” — consider:

16. Really

17. Very

18. Intensely

19. Wicked

20. Considerably

If you mean unreasonable or absurd – ”That’s crazy!” — consider:

21. Unreasonable

22. Absurd

23. Outrageous

24. Unacceptable

25. Ridiculous

If you mean to describe someone with a bad, dangerous character – ”She’s psychotic!” or “He’s a sociopath!” — consider:

26. Dangerous

27. Menacing

28. Threatening

29. Evil

30. Murderous

If you mean to describe someone who’s doing something a little dorky – ”They’re such a spaz!” or “Are you retarded or something?” — consider:

31. Silly

32. Dorky

33. Cheesy

34. Nonsensical

35. Illogical

If you mean to describe something that’s difficult to understand, or totally bizarre – ”These mass shootings are just crazy.” — consider:

36. Fathomless

37. Daunting

38. Overwhelming

39. Bizarre

40. Bottomless

What are some words you use instead of popular ableist language? let us know in the comment section below!

By: Naima "Queen" Muhammad 

Queen is a 30 something from the Bronx, NY. She created Ms. Vixen to spread her thoughts on feminism, Black pride, it's the first stop on her quest to be a media mogul. 

Follow Queen 

Twitter @TheQueenSpeaks_
Instagram @TheQueenSpeaks_