How to use the word "dumb" and don't get confused ? (because it has two meaning) I searched the word "dumb" and it means a person who is unable to speak and it also means "stupid", I am concern becau

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Jorge

How to use the word "dumb" and don't get confused ? (because it has two meaning) I searched the word "dumb" and it means a person who is unable to speak and it also means "stupid", I am concern because I don't want to seem rude when using it to talk about someone who is unable to speak , I also would like to know if you native speakers have some problems with this word and how do you make clear with of the two meanings you are using ? e.g, I could say : "He is dumb" this sentence might be missunderstood. Thank you

Aug 3, 2014 2:56 AM

Answers · 5

Very good question. This is sensitive and has been the subject of a sustained debate over the years. Do not use dumb at all. It is nowadays considered offensive. I hope some social workers will enlighten us as to the best term to use. The most gentle way of saying this that I have heard is "he/she does not speak".

August 3, 2014

Usually, the word dumb is used mostly in the context of calling someone stupid. If one is trying to say that the person cannot speak, they can say that "He is mute." There will be less confusion when talking about that then, but if you still choose to use the word dumb, knowing the difference comes from the attitude with which you say it.

August 3, 2014

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