Example: He was
so upset by the accident, he had become a mental basket case.
Origins: World War I, describing a
soldier who returned from war having lost both arms and both legs. (Source.) Offensive slang. (Source.)
Rewrites:
- N/A
Discussion: I’m going to take the
unusual step of suggesting we not rewrite this cliché but because of its
offensive nature we discard it. Offensive why? Because it treats the physically
or mentally disabled as “hopeless” and “useless” instead of as honored and
hopeful members of society. Even in its original use, officials used the term
to deny that such individuals even existed. I suggest we deny the offense and not describe
anyone in these or similar terms.
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