handicapped etymology

Etymology:

  • Late 16th century: from Middle French handicap, from Old French handecappe ("hindered, impeded"), from hande ("hand") + cappe ("cap").

Meaning:

  • Having a physical or mental disability that limits one's mobility, senses, or cognitive abilities.
  • Figuratively: disadvantaged or hindered in some way.

Origin:

The term "handicap" originally referred to a game played at horse races in which one horse would be given a handicap (extra weight or distance) to compensate for a perceived disadvantage.

In the 17th century, "handicap" began to be used metaphorically to refer to any disadvantage or obstacle. By the late 18th century, it had acquired its current meaning of a physical or mental disability.

Usage:

  • The term "handicapped" is often considered offensive and has been replaced by more neutral terms such as "disabled" or "person with a disability." However, it is still used in some contexts, such as when referring to a specific handicap (e.g., a golfing handicap).

handicapped relate terms

  • handicap

    Etymology The word handicap derives from the 16th century term hand in cap referrin

  • handicap

    Etymology The word handicap derives from the 16th century term hand in cap referrin

  • handicapped

    Etymology Late 16th century from Middle French handicap from Old French handecappe

  • hinder

    Etymology The word hinder comes from the Old English word hindrian meaning to obst

  • hock

    Etymology The word hock has several possible etymological origins Old English hoh

  • hamper

    Etymology Middle English hamper from Old French hanaper from Medieval Latin hanaperu

  • people

    Etymology The word people is derived from the Latin word populus which means a bod

  • bias

    Etymology Origin Middle English bias from Old French bias from Late Latin biāc

  • vampire

    Etymology The term vampire derives from the following languages French vampire

  • exquisite

    Etymology The word exquisite comes from the Latin word exquisitus meaning chosen ou

  • soda

    Etymology The word soda originates from the Arabic term suwwad or sawda which mea

  • prose

    Etymology The word prose originates from the Latin word prosa which itself derives