Lizzo was accused of using an ableist slur. Here are other terms we should stop saying too.
- Lizzo’s “Grrrls” lyric, which fans called an ableist slur, is a reminder to be careful about words.
- Experts say it’s important to put more thought behind what we speak and avoid certain words at all.
- In addition to Lizzo’s use of “spaz,” other terms to stop using carelessly include OCD and bipolar.
After being accused of using an ableist slur in her latest track “Grrrls,”Lizzo shared an apology and released a new version of her song – sending a reminder to all watching to avoid using offensive terms, no matter how popular they’ve become.
In a Twitter post Tuesday afternoon, the “Truth Hurts” singer said an updated version of “Grrrls,” the latest single from her upcoming album “Special,” was released after it was brought to her attention that one of its lyrics was “a harmful word.”
“Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language,” Lizzo wrote. “As a Black fat woman in America, I’ve had many hurtful words used against me so I overstand (sic) the power words can have (whether intentionally or in my case, unintentionally). This is the result of me listening and taking action.
“As an influential artist I’m dedicated to being part of the change I’ve been wanting to see in the world.”
For context, the original lyric that offended fans came from the song’s line, “Do you see this (expletive)? I’m a spazz,” with many claiming that “spaz” is an ableist slur. As a slang term, “spaz” has often been used to describe losing “physical or emotional control,” but has fallen increasingly out of fashion because of the word’s origin from “spastic”: “a form of muscular weakness (spastic paralysis) typical of cerebral palsy,” according to Lexico, an online dictionary.
The controversy stirred up over Lizzo’s lyric is a reminder that other slang terms in our vernacular have derived from more serious origins, making it important to put more thought behind what we speak – and avoid saying certain words at all.
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What other terms should we stop saying?
“I’m practically an alcoholic.” “Kill me.” “I’m so OCD.”
People say these phrases without thinking. But these words are potentially harmful for those with mental health disorders and those struggling with addiction.
previously told USA TODAY. “For example, ‘I am so OCD’ is often used to refer to someone being picky about details, neatness, or organization. However, there are many different kinds of OCD, not all of which relate to organization or cleanliness.”
Other examples of words to avoid:
- ‘I’m being OCD’: Unless you actually have obsessive compulsive disorder, it’s best not to use this colloquially.
- ‘I’m so ADHD/ADD’: Same goes for using ADD and ADHD as a way to describe a difficulty focusing.
- ‘Schizo’: Schizophrenia “a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
- ‘Kill me,’ ‘I’m going to kill myself’: In 2019, 12 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million planned an attempt, and 1.4 million actually attempted, according to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. It’s not something to say lightly.
- ‘Bipolar’: Bipolar disorder “causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health. There are three types of the condition: Bipolar I, Bipolar II and Cyclothymia – none of which are casual.
Here’s how to tell them they’re wrong
‘This is the result of me listening’:Lizzo changes song lyric after being accused of using ableist slur
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online.
Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.