Saying crippled to describe a machine isn't acceptable

[DyslexicScientist]

A work colleague has just described a machine as crippled. I'm a bit sensitive about this word but aibu to think even describing a machine as this has no place these days?

It depends on the context. If the machine has been crippled by something, then fine. If being described as crippled just because she doesn't like it/it isn't working then not ok. There's nothing wrong with the word per se, just how it's used. E.g. fine to say, "losing my job would cripple me"

Crippled
adjective
(of a person) unable to walk or move properly; disabled.
"a crippled old man"
(of a machine) severely damaged.
"the pilot displayed skill and nerve in landing the crippled plane"

So they are not technically wrong. Wouldn't use it myself though.

I would be far more likely to use it for a machine. It's a correct use of the word, and I doubt the machine would be offended.

Why are you sensitive about the word? If it's because you're disabled, then I can understand it but your colleague was using the word correctly.

adjective
(of a person) unable to walk or move properly; disabled.
"a crippled old man"

(of a machine) severely damaged.
"the pilot displayed skill and nerve in landing the crippled plane"

Also, people might say "My finances are crippling me"

It's not any kind of dig at disabled people, if that's what you're worried about?

Eh? It means damaged, often severely so, when describing a machine and is nothing to do with a person or their abilities. It's not a "put down" word iyswim, it's just a describing word.

Yes YABU. The world crippled has two meanings, one of which is severely damaged and not meant in relation to any human condition.

There is something wrong with the machine.

But I just don't like it, I had a friend at school who was called this and it just reminds me of this.

YABU. He was talking about a damaged machine, not a person.

Should we start compiling a dictionary of words that aren't acceptable to describe inanimate objects in case we hurt their feelings?

OP, is what you're actually saying that you don't want the word to be used EVER, in any context?

So you're taking offence on behalf of someone else, who may not actually take offence themselves, at the correct usage of the word for a broken machine?

Honestly, life's too short.

Do you also take offence to the phrase "That's a lame excuse"?

I can see why you'd think that bit crippled just means "broken" so it's not incorrect.

If he'd said the machine was retarded you'd have a point

Sorry YABU. The world is quite frankly going mad.

The world is quite frankly going mad.

THIS.

As I've said before (and I'll say it again): being so offended all the time must be exhausting. And I say this is a person who takes offense to a LOT of things.

You might not like it but I think it's unreasonable to expect everyone to know what you are offended by. I have done similar things in front of people who I realised later may have been offended, luckily they were relaxed about it. I don't think everyone should be expected to walk on eggshells around anyone. She probably has no idea you even raised an eyebrow.

OK fair enough, I find it loaded and a slur but I understand this is due to me and my experiences. Thank you

I'm disabled.

Using the word crippled in that context is fine.

You and your experiences?

I thought you said it was a friend at school?

My experiences of a friend that died far to early, yes.

Preposterous to be offended in behalf of others. YAB massively U.

The only time that I would use the term is in the context of being financially crippled.

I had a similar conversation with a friend just last night about the use of "spaz" in Iron Man 3.

I once told a teenager off for using the word "gay" as an insult, then the next day described myself as "retarded".

We're all capable of making slip ups. I'd hate to think someone was thinking terrible things about me, extrapolating how I feel about certain social issues or people, or slagging me off on the internet just because I made a slip of the tongue, or used a word that some might deem "touchy".

but mooney what if one said "use of fire retarded material" when writing a specification?

Being offended on behalf of someone else again - good grief. YABU. They were describing a machine. Don't they use it with boats too.

I can understand why you would be sensitive about it but using the word crippled to refer to a damaged machine is technically correct. It's using it to describe a person that is offensive.

but mooney what if one said "use of fire retarded material" when writing a specification?

Isn't it "fire retardant"?