Basic Details
Word: Retarded (Outdated and offensive)
Part of Speech: Adjective (formerly used)
Meaning:
Historically used to describe someone with significantly below-average intellectual functioning. The term is now considered outdated, offensive, and inappropriate. It has been replaced by respectful terms like "intellectual disability" or "developmental delay."
Updated Synonyms (respectful): Intellectual disability, Developmental delay, Cognitive impairment
Antonyms: Neurotypical, Cognitively typical, High-functioning
Idioms and Phrases (Modern Context)
- Developmentally delayed: A respectful term used to describe someone who reaches developmental milestones later than typical peers.
- Cognitively challenged: A gentle and inclusive phrase referring to individuals with intellectual limitations.
- Special needs support: Describes services provided to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Usage Examples (Respectful)
Example 1: He was diagnosed with a mild intellectual disability at a young age.
Example 2: Children with developmental delays benefit from early intervention programs.
Example 3: The school provides specialized learning support for students with cognitive impairments.
Fun Fact
The term retarded was originally a clinical term, but over time it took on a negative, stigmatizing connotation in everyday language. It has since been replaced in medical, legal, and educational fields by intellectual disability.
History of Replacement
In 2010, U.S. President Barack Obama signed "Rosas Law," officially replacing the term mental retardation with intellectual disability in federal legislation, promoting dignity and respect in terminology.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What is the modern, respectful alternative to retarded?
a) Neuro-deficient
b) Mentally challenged
c) Intellectual disability
d) Brain-delayed
Answer: c) Intellectual disability
2. Why is the term retarded no longer appropriate?
a) It was never used medically
b) It became socially offensive and stigmatizing
c) Its too long
d) It describes physical disabilities only
Answer: b) It became socially offensive and stigmatizing
3. What U.S. law officially replaced the term mental retardation?
a) ADA
b) Individuals with Disabilities Act
c) Rosas Law
d) Title IX
Answer: c) Rosas Law
4. What does developmental delay refer to?
a) Delays in travel
b) Delayed response to emails
c) Delayed reaching of developmental milestones
d) Delayed school admission
Answer: c) Delayed reaching of developmental milestones
5. Which of the following is an inclusive term?
a) Retarded
b) Special needs
c) Defective
d) Abnormal
Answer: b) Special needs
