Definition of the word spastic

The word "spastic" has a complex and controversial history. Originally, it referred to individuals with spastic paralysis, a condition characterized by stiff muscles and twitching movements. This term was coined in the 17th century from the Greek word "spastikos," meaning "drawn tight" or "contracted." In the 19th century, the term "spastic" became linked to the spastic diseases, which included conditions such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. Over time, the term gained a negative connotation, and people with these conditions were often stigmatized and perceived as "spastic" in a derogatory sense. In recent years, the use of the term "spastic" has been criticized for its ableist and offensive implications. Many advocate for using more precise and respectful terminology, such as "person with cerebral palsy" or "individual with mobility impairments," to respect the dignity and autonomy of individuals with these conditions.