Spastic

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈspastɪk/
• US IPA: /ˈspæstɪk/
• Rhymes: -æstɪk

Origin

Latin spasticus, from Ancient Greek σπαστικός (spastikos, "drawing in"). Confer French spastique and see also spasm.

Full definition of spastic

Adjective

1. (pathology) Of, relating to, or affected by spasm.
2. (pathology) Of or relating to spastic paralysis.
3. (slang, pejorative) Clumsy.
4. (slang, pejorative) Hyperactive, excited, and acting in a random manner.

Noun

1. A person affected by spastic paralysis or spastic cerebral palsy.
2. (slang, offensive) A stupid, clumsy person.

Derived terms

• spack
• spacker
• spaz, spazz

Usage notes

The word is perceived as relatively inoffensive in the United States, but extremely offensive in the United Kingdom.

Anagrams

• cat piss