Cripple

For other uses, see Cripple (disambiguation).
Drawing of a beggar using crutches

A cripple is a person or animal with a physical disability, particularly one who is unable to walk because of an injury or illness. The word was recorded as early as 950 AD, and derives from the Proto-Germanic krupilaz.[1] The German and Dutch words Krüppel and kreupel are cognates.

By the 1970s, the word generally came to be regarded as pejorative when used for people with disabilities.[2][3][4][5] Cripple is also a transitive verb, meaning "cause a disability or inability". The word crippling is also used as an adjective. [6]

  1. ^ Online Etymology Dictionary
  2. ^ E. Eric John Miller; G. Geraldine V. Gwynne (1 January 1972). A Life Apart: A Pilot Study of Residential Institutions for the Physically Handicapped and the Young Chronic Sick. Taylor & Francis. pp. 41–. ISBN 9780422739108. GGKEY:QCP9JKZ8RPE. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  3. ^ Barry Levy; Victor Sidel (25 August 2005). Social Injustice and Public Health. Oxford University Press. pp. 147–. ISBN 978-0-19-988375-2. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  4. ^ Reginald Nettles; Rochelle Balter (2011). Multiple Minority Identities: Applications for Practice, Research, and Training. Springer Publishing Company. pp. 3–. ISBN 978-0-8261-0703-9. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  5. ^ John Richardson; Justin Powell (17 May 2011). Comparing Special Education: Origins to Contemporary Paradoxes. Stanford University Press. pp. 264–. ISBN 978-0-8047-7913-5. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  6. ^ "Crippling Definition & Meaning". Dictionary.com.