The obsolete medical terms Mongolian idiocy and Mongolism referred to a specific type of mental deficiency, associated with the genetic disorder now known as Down syndrome. The obsolete term for a person with this syndrome was called a Mongolian idiot.
In the 21st century, these terms are no longer used as medical terminology, deemed an unacceptable, offensive and misleading description of those with Down syndrome.[1] The terminology change was brought about both by scientific and medical experts,[2] as well as people of Asian ancestry,[2] including those from Mongolia.[3]
The stand-alone term "idiot" itself has a similar history of meaning and connotation change.[4]
Ward1999
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Howard1979
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).