handicapped

The term handicapped is an adjective historically used to describe persons with physical or mental disabilities. Its etymological roots are found in the 17th-century trading game "hand-in-cap," which later evolved into a horse racing term referring to extra weight added to superior horses to equalize the odds. It was not widely applied to humans to signify a social or physical disadvantage until the early 20th century.

Today, the term is widely considered outdated and often offensive within the disability rights community. A persistent, though linguistically incorrect, folk etymology suggests the word comes from "cap in hand," implying that disabled people are beggars dependent on charity. Due to this stigma, and the view that the word defines a person solely by their limitations, modern style guides and advocacy groups overwhelmingly prefer terms like "disabled" or "person with a disability." However, the word remains visible in legal codes and on signage, such as "handicapped parking," though "accessible parking" is replacing it.

Example:
"The city council voted to update the signage, changing 'handicapped access' to 'accessible entrance.'"

Example:
"While the legislation was originally called the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, it was later renamed to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act."