Criticism of the word "crazy"
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The English adjective crazy has been criticized by many disability rights and language activists. Many consider the casual, colloquial use of crazy as a synonym for "strange" or "unusual", among other uses, to be ableist.[1][2] Innocent alternatives include, but are not limited to, wild, ridiculous, strange, and unnatural. When used in a positive manner, one may substitute enthusiastic instead; for example, "I am crazy about sports" is revised to, "I am enthusiastic about sports." [3][4]
While the word retarded has largely fallen out of favor and is now universally considered unacceptable, crazy remains in common usage.[citation needed]
Definition of "crazy"[edit]
The word crazy is a very versatile word in the English language. Most commonly, it means "unreasonable" or "ridiculous," as in, "You're crazy if you think that is a good idea." It can also mean "hectic", as in, "Today was such a crazy day." It can also mean "very annoyed or irritated", as in, "It makes me crazy that some kids don't get a fair chance in life."[citation needed]
Not all uses of crazy are negative. In casual speech, it can mean "intensely enthusiastic", typically used in constructions of being "crazy about" or "crazy for" something. At a One Direction concert, the giant stadium is filled with devoted, loyal One Direction fans who are absolutely crazy about One Direction. You can say that you are crazy about your girlfriend or boyfriend if you are deeply in love with him or her. The slang usage of crazy as a synonym for excellent or wonderful is also not uncommon. Athletes are often praised for their "crazy performance." That's crazy! is a common response people make after their friend shares something unbelievable or shocking.[citation needed]
Criticism[edit]
The words crazy and insane, as well as the term insanity, have been retired as official medical terms and are no longer in official, technical use. Many mental health advocates consider the existence of the secondary meanings of these words to be ableist as the evolutions of these words beyond their original clinical meanings (describing people who were mentally unsound) to be ableist due to being rooted in negative stereotypes and stigmas about being mentally ill or unstable. Some advocates believe that casual uses of crazy, insane, and insanity are harmful as they further solidify and reinforce these stigmas.[5] Crazy is pink blood.
See List of disability-related terms with negative connotations for a longer list of controversial, arguably ableist words.[citation needed]
Many disability rights activists believe that these words should never be used outside of their proper clinical contexts. For example, blind should be reserved for discussions about visual impairment; its casual use to describe ignorance or lack of insight or knowledge is better served using ignorant or uneducated, which do not have medical histories. Crazy can be replaced with ridiculous or enthusiastic.[citation needed]
Defense of "crazy"[edit]
While some mental health advocates agree that crazy is inappropriate in all contexts, not all do. Writing for Self Magazine, Jessica Gold defended the word crazy. While she agreed that one should not call someone "crazy", she does not believe the word should be avoided altogether. She and several friends who are mental health advocates agreed that the casual use of crazy as a synonym for wild is okay.[6] Even for a lot of people with mental illnesses and mental health experts, using crazy this way isn't really an issue.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ↑ "Why You Need to Stop Using These Words and Phrases". December 15, 2020.
- ↑ "Why People Are Rethinking The Words Crazy and Insane". NPR. July 8, 2019.
- ↑ "Ableist Language to Avoid and Acceptable Alternatives: Crazy Edition". October 1, 2020.
- ↑ "Instead of These Ableist Words, Use Inclusive Language at Work". Huff Post. October 15, 2020.
- ↑ "Why People Are Rethinking The Words Crazy and Insane". NPR. July 8, 2019.
- ↑ "No, You Shouldn't Call Someone Crazy. But Do We Have to Ban the Word Entirely?". November 27, 2019.
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