I've gotten tired of arguing with people about using the word lame, so here's my new approach:
Person: Oh ha ha blah blah, you're so lame!
Me: *blink and stare in confusion* No I'm not. I have no physical disability that I know of...
So far, people have just looked at me funny and then carried on. I haven't tried it enough to figure out its effectiveness, but it can't possibly be any less effective than I've been so far (which is, not at all effective). I think I might switch up my responses from time to time -- any ideas?
ETA: If you've no idea why this word is a problem, please read.
Labels: (dis)ability, language
5 comments:
- At Thu Oct 29, 11:56:00 AM RMJ said...
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I usually say:
Person: "That's so lame!"
Me: "That's not the word I'd use, but yes, it is crappy."
It registers my objection without being pedantic. If they want to know more, I explain. - At Thu Oct 29, 11:59:00 AM RMJ said...
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(Except in feminist contexts, in which case I feel comfortable explaining at the first use of the word.)
- At Fri Oct 30, 08:20:00 AM OuyangDan said...
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I get a little *squee* every time someone links to our new blog.
Thank you! - At Fri Oct 30, 03:58:00 PM Renee said...
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Being a person with a disability I usually tell them um yeah that would be why I use a scooter. It causes them to pause.
- At Sat Nov 07, 01:10:00 AM Online Printing Company said...
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Oh... that's interesting! I didn't know that lame technically means broken. Well, you do have a point when you said you're not lame because you're not broken. :D
