deaf-mute
See also: deafmute
English edit
Adjective edit
deaf-mute (not comparable)
Usage notes edit
Note that individuals formerly called deaf-mute are rarely actually unable to speak and hence are merely deaf. The inability to speak is related to either choice or the unavailability of educational resources for the deaf. Thus, the preferred term now is simply deaf.
Synonyms edit
- deaf and dumb (now offensive or literary)
Translations edit
unable to hear or speak
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Noun edit
deaf-mute (plural deaf-mutes)
- (now offensive) A person who is unable to hear or speak.
- Synonym: deaf person
- 1959 September, K. Hoole, “The Middlesbrough-Newcastle route of the N.E.R.: Part Two”, in Trains Illustrated, page 417:
- This buckling was first noticed by a deaf-mute who was walking over a bridge across the line and he pointed it out to the driver of a steamroller which happened to be passing.
- 1974 April 20, “Beacon Hill Murder”, in Gay Community News, page 1:
- Andrew was studying to become a teacher of deaf-mutes.
Usage notes edit
Note that individuals formerly called deaf-mutes are rarely actually unable to speak and hence are merely deaf. The inability to speak is related to either choice or the unavailability of educational resources. Thus, the preferred term now is simply deaf person.
Translations edit
person who is unable to hear or speak
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See also edit
References edit
- “deaf-mute”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.