# Is the word imbeciles prohibited?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-word-imbeciles-prohibited/991961>\
**Category:** About This Message Board\
**Created:** [October 23, 2023, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-word-imbeciles-prohibited/991961 "2023-10-23T16:07:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2023, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-word-imbeciles-prohibited/991961/18 "2023-10-23T17:52:18Z")

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I was pretty surprised to see that mod note, and I don’t agree with it. The primary definition of imbecile in Merriam-Webster is “a foolish or stupid person.”

Granted, the second usage defines it as “a person affected with moderate intellectual disability”, and says that it is offensive, but it also states that this use is “dated.”

> [@Polls only: No discussion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polls-only-no-discussion/953642/4068):
>
> That poll is a highly offensive cheap shot against the handicapped.

Er, the term “handicapped” is offensive:

“_Note that ‘handicapped’ is an outdated and unacceptable term to use when referring to individuals or accessible environments._”

Source: [Americans with Disabilities Act National Network](https://adata.org/factsheet/ADANN-writing#:~:text=Note%20that%20%27handicapped%27%20is%20an,to%20individuals%20or%20accessible%20environments.)

Either withdraw the mod note or give yourself one too.

mmm

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