(diff-uh.BIL.uh.tee)
n.
A disability, especially one that causes or encourages the person to develop different or special abilities. Also: diffability.
— diff-abled (diff-AY.buld) adj. Relating to a person who has such a disability. Also: diffabled.
Example Citation:
Ryals likes to focus on the positive. "As my experiences grow, I keep wanting to rephrase and change the word disability to a new word, 'diff-ability.' Throughout my life, most people noticed my deformities and looked at my disability, while my friends and family focused on my different abilities," he said.
— Frank Stanfield, "Artist keeps focus on his abilities," The Orlando Sentinel, June 28, 2002
Earliest Citation:
I sometimes use the word 'diffability' because it says different abilities and people do have different abilities. We all do. But some are especially different and — and deserve some special attention.
— Tim Shriver, "Willowbrook: The last Disgrace," The Geraldo Rivera Show, January 6, 1997
Notes:
Today's word — a blend of different and disability — is a natural outgrowth of longstanding phrases such as differently abled, differently challenged, and handicapable that aim to describe the disabled using positive language.
Related Words:
Category:
New words. 2013.