Crip

/krɪp/ noun, verb

Definition

A person with a disability (noun); to disable or injure someone (verb)—note: the noun is considered a slur in some contexts but has been reclaimed by disability communities.

Etymology

Short for cripple, which comes from Old English crypel, related to creep. The shortened form emerged in informal speech, and disability advocates have reclaimed it as a neutral identity term.

Kelly Says

Crip is a fascinating example of linguistic reclamation—a word that was used as a slur has been deliberately reclaimed by disabled communities to build pride and political identity, similar to how other marginalized groups have reclaimed slurs as empowerment.

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