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# intellectually challenged

phrase (adjective phrase: intellectually challenged)

«intellectually challenged» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, humorous) stupid — said as a joke in a mock-polite way.
2. (euphemism, polite, dated) having an intellectual disability.

### In the lessons

In everyday talk it is mostly used jokingly to call someone (or oneself) not clever, mocking politically correct language. As a serious term it is dated; people now say «has an intellectual disability» or «learning disability». Register: humorous or dated polite; all regions.

### Examples

- Joking: Sorry, I'm a bit intellectually challenged before breakfast.
- He's not stupid, he's just intellectually challenged — said Tom with a grin.
- Chat: my brother is intellectually challenged when it comes to maps
- The comedian called the robot «intellectually challenged».
- Older leaflets used the phrase «intellectually challenged children».
- Teacher: We don't call people names, even fancy ones like «intellectually challenged».

### Note

Using it about a real person as an insult is unkind, even though the words sound polite. Do not use it about people with disabilities; say «has an intellectual disability». Plain word (joke sense): stupid.