I agree with Peachy and James - in UK, to use this term would be considered highly offensive by most people.

Yes, Choppy, but the origins of the term are still to be found in "cerebral palsy". I agree that it might have acquired a more harmless meaning in some places these days , but this is still not a word I'd be happy to hear or use.

In America, we have a different meaning. And, we don't have any associations with cerebral palsy, so the meaning isn't so serious. A friend might say this in passing to another friend, without any malicious intent. In the USA, spasmo (or spastic) is used for someone who is hyper-active, or over-concerned about something, or someone who over-reacts to a minor situation or event.

Spasmo (or spazmo) = spastic. This is really very unkind. You're saying the other person has no control (=cerebral palsy =spastic, the UK meaning) and looks like a joke, either in appearance or attitude. Don't ever use it, please. Ta. :)

Hi Hailey, I'd actually say that it's quite OK to use this term with your friends in American English. While etymologically Peachey is correct, there is no common knowledge of the word origins here. People just associate 'spaz' with a 'nervous, jumpy, over-reactive person' and nothing else (in the USA). Oh, also, I've heard "spaz" used much more often than spasmo (again, in the USA). A common usage: A:) Oh my god.. is he going to call me?! Did I talk too much? What should I do.. do you think I should send him a text message now? ahh [talking fast] B:) Stop being such a spaz and calm down.