Usage of Lame
Lame was formerly common as a descriptor of any person or animal lacking full use of a part of the body and especially a limb. Over the course of the 20th century, however, numerous disparaging uses of lame became common, making the neutral medical uses as applied to people increasingly offensive. Lame is no longer applied to people in medical contexts, and the disparaging uses, as in "a lame excuse," "he's so lame," "a lame party," and "lame jokes," are occasionally considered to be offensive as well. The use of lame in reference to animals remains common and is not usually regarded as offensive.
Note: Use of this sense in reference to people is now considered offensive.
Cite this Entry
“Lame.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lame. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.
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