Did you say “hearingsplaining”?
10 March 2022
Towards a more inclusive vocabulary for Deaf and hard of hearing people
By Cynthia Benoit, Carlisle Robinson, Julie Lévesque, Frank Folino, and several collaborators
Most people will agree that idioms, metaphors, and proverbs, among others, are part of what makes a language rich. However, some might not realize that there are some turns of phrase that are pejorative or that use the word “deaf” as being something undesirable or to avoid at all costs.
To avoid using these expressions that are pejorative or disparaging to deaf people, we thought that it would be helpful to be able to quickly find terms or expressions that could replace them.
To do so, we made a list of several expressions that are unfortunately commonly used in English and in the media, and then came up with alternative ways of expressing the same ideas.
Below you’ll find our list of terms and expressions that have a pejorative connotation, as well as suggestions for replacing them.
With this tool, which will be updated and expanded, you now have the power to be part of the movement for greater inclusivity for deaf and hard of hearing people.
If you know other pejorative expressions that unintentionally denigrate deaf and hard of hearing people, let us know and we’ll add them to the list.
Idioms, proverbs, and metaphors
| Expressions to replace | Definitions | Suggestions for replacement |
|---|---|---|
| (as) deaf as a (number of things) Ex. : As Deaf as a Post, Deaf as a Door mat, Deaf as a Beetle, etc. |
Unable to hear well or at all. |
|
| Fall on deaf ears | To be ignored |
|
| Turn a deaf ear (to someone or something) | To ignore or refuse to listen to someone or something / failing to pay attention |
|
| Deaf and dumb | Outdated term meaning Deaf and hard of hearing people |
|
| Deaf and mute | Outdated term meaning Deaf and hard of hearing, based on incorrect assumptions that Deaf people cannot use voice |
|
| A dialogue of the deaf | A discussion in which each party is unresponsive to what the other says |
|
| A deafening silence | A noteworthy silence, or absence of response, especially one signifying disapproval or lack of enthusiasm |
|
| Tone deaf | Unable to perceive public sentiment, attitudes, or preferences When someone does/says something that is inappropriate for the situation. This implies that being Deaf is to be ignorant. |
|
| Are you deaf or what? | Often asked in an insulting manner when another person does not answer. This occurs often when people assume that everyone is able bodied. This can lead to situations where the person gets angry with a deaf person without realizing that they’re deaf. |
|
| Hearing impaired | Offensive terminology for Deaf and hard of hearing people. It implies that there is something wrong with them and that they need to be fixed. This label focuses on what they cannot do. |
|
| They’re suffering from deafness | Implies that Deaf people do not have fulfilling lives. |
|
| A person with deafness | This is a medical perspective, viewing deafness solely as a medical condition while being Deaf means so much more. It means culture, language, history, community, and more. You would not tell a gay person that they’re a person with gayness, right? |
|
| Differently-abled / Special needs Able-bodied |
Labels “Deaf” and “disability” are not bad labels. We view them as a positive thing. “Differently-abled” or “Special needs” are often used by people without disabilities as “a mask, a covering up of their own uncomfortable feelings about disability.” – Elizabeth Wright |
|
| Stone deaf | Totally unable to hear |
|
| There’s none so deaf as those that will not hear | People who choose not to listen will never hear what is being said. |
|
Sources:
What is your name sign?
17 January 2025
A New Five-Year Partnership with the UQAM Foundation: Launch of the Eversa Scholarship
2 February 2022