How to Pronounce "deaf and dumb"
expression
DEF and DUM
DEF and DUM
Definition
An old expression referring to someone who cannot hear (deaf) and cannot speak (dumb); now considered offensive and outdated. The preferred terms are 'deaf' or 'deaf and nonverbal'.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈdɛf/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈdəm
British English
dˈɛf/ /ˈænd/ /dˈʌm
Simplified Pronunciation
US
DEF and DUM
UK
DEF and DUM
Listen in Context
He was called deaf and dumb as a child, but now people use more respectful words.
The phrase deaf and dumb is not polite and should be avoided.
Today, we say 'deaf' or 'deaf and nonverbal' instead of deaf and dumb.
Using deaf and dumb can really offend people in the Deaf community.