deaf-and-dumb
[ def-uh n-duhm ]
/ ˈdɛf ənˈdʌm /
adjective Offensive.
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Commas mark divisions in sentences. Periods end declarative sentences. Apostrophes show possession. Easy, right? Well, punctuation can get pretty tricky—fast. Think you got what it takes to be a punctuation expert? Take our quiz to prove it!
Question 1 of 10
Which of the options below is the best punctuation for the sentence? It__s your turn to pick the movie __ but your sister gets to pick the board game we _ re going to play.
Its your turn to pick the movie but your sister gets to pick the board game we’re going to play.
It’s your turn to pick the movie but your sister gets to pick the board game were going to play.
It’s your turn to pick the movie, but your sister gets to pick the board game we’re going to play.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUTOrigin of deaf-and-dumb
1150–1200; Middle English def and doumb
usage note for deaf-and-dumb
See dumb.
Words nearby deaf-and-dumb
deaerate, deaf, deaf aid, deaf as a post, deaf without speech, deaf-and-dumb, deaf-blind, deaf-mute, deafblind, deafen, deafening
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for deaf-and-dumb
deaf-and-dumb
/ offensive /
adjective
unable to hear or speak
noun
a deaf person without speech
usage for deaf-and-dumb
Using deaf-and-dumb to refer to people without speech is considered outdated and offensive, and should be avoided. The phrase profoundly deaf is a suitable alternative in many contexts
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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