deaf-and-dumb
[ def-uh n-duhm ]
/ ˈdɛf ənˈdʌm /
adjective Offensive.
Origin of deaf-and-dumb
1150–1200; Middle English
def and doumb
usage note for deaf-and-dumb
See
dumb.
Words nearby deaf-and-dumb
deaerate,
deaf,
deaf aid,
deaf as a post,
deaf without speech,
deaf-and-dumb,
deaf-blind,
deaf-mute,
deafblind,
deafen,
deafening
British Dictionary definitions for deaf-and-dumb
deaf-and-dumb
/ offensive /
adjective
unable to hear or speak
noun
a deaf person without speech
usage for deaf-and-dumb
Using
deaf-and-dumb to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided. The phrase
profoundly deaf is a suitable alternative in many contexts