"dumb" has a bit of a complex etymology. Only about half of it comes from being mute (Norse/Gothic), the other origins (German/Dutch) literally come from words meaning "stupid."
For what it's worth, in my nearly 40 years I don't think I have ever heard or seen it being used as an ablist insult, and only rarely used in the "unable to speak" meaning (mostly as "dumbstruck" but sometimes as a neutral descriptor). Edit: this would also be my first time seeing the claim it was ablist language. Literally my first.
I'd be interested to know of contrary experiences - I'm not trying to say you're wrong, but I'm doubtful enough about it that I feel the need to speak up because of your tone, there. I think you're being unfair.
draeath
npub1js…wtzpu
2025-04-22 13:39:47 UTC
in reply to nevent1q…shq0
Author Public Key
npub1jscz40pzedcgyq8td77u2ynrmk0md5rdzzseys5ruhl0kryzv58q6wtzpuSeen on
wss://relay.momostr.pinkPublished at
2025-04-22 13:39:47 UTCEvent JSON
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