crip

crip — noun

1. an old and deeply offensive word for a person who has a physical disability. The

1.noun
Definition

an old and deeply offensive word for a person who has a physical disability. The term is now considered a slur and should never be used in modern English. Use 'person with a disability' or 'disabled person' instead.

Example

In her research on disability history, Shanti found old hospital files using the word crip.

collocation: the word crip — used when referring to the term itself rather than a person

Museum exhibits now include a warning label before displaying signs that contain the word crip.

Common collocations
  • offensive term for
  • historical use of
  • archaic word
  • the word crip
Synonyms
  • cripple

    also an offensive and outdated term; equally unacceptable in modern English

Usage Note

This term is now considered a slur and is highly offensive. Never use it to describe a person with a physical disability. Preferred modern alternatives include 'person with a disability' or 'disabled person'. Learners should be aware of this word only so they can recognise it in historical texts and understand why it should not be used.

Common Mistakes

He is a crip.
He is a person with a disability.
'Crip' is an outdated and deeply offensive term that should never be used to refer to a person.

crip — adjective

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four alternatives describe something that is not difficult. 'Easy' is the most common and neutral choice, suitable in any situation from casual conversation to formal writing. 'Simple' emphasises a lack of complexity rather than a lack of effort — a task may be simple but still require hard work. 'A breeze' and 'a piece of cake' are both informal phrases suggesting something is very easy. 'A breeze' often describes physical or experiential activities ('The hike was a breeze'), while 'a piece of cake' is more common for tasks and cognitive challenges ('The exam was a piece of cake'). 'Crip' is the most restricted in register — it is informal slang that may sound dated to younger American speakers and should never appear in writing.

easy ↗simple ↗a breezea piece of cake ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Crip is a shortening of the word 'cripple', which comes from Old English 'crypel' (meaning 'one who creeps or is lame'), related to the verb 'creopan' ('to creep'). The slang adjective meaning 'easy' developed in late 20th-century American English, likely from the idea that something that has been 'crippled' or weakened is no longer challenging. The noun form is now considered a slur.