deaf and dumb

Related to deaf and dumb: sign language, Helen Keller, Mute people

deaf and dumb

dated Unable to hear or speak. Although this phrase was once commonly used without any offensive intent, it is no longer considered appropriate. The educational options for those who were once called "deaf and dumb" are now much more plentiful.
See also: and, deaf, dumb
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

deaf and dumb

unable to hear or speak. (Used without any intended malice, but no longer considered polite. Sometimes euphemized as "hearing and speech impaired.") Fred objected to being called deaf and dumb. Aunt Clara—she was deaf and dumb, you know—lived to be over 100.
See also: and, deaf, dumb
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • how/what about...?
  • how about
  • no cigar
  • eggs is eggs
  • open sesame
  • How long is a piece of string?
  • from my cold, dead hands
  • (one's) best foot forward
  • best foot forward
  • sure as eggs is eggs
References in periodicals archive
Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb. And the Petition to the Mayor,
Exemplifying the horrors faced by deaf and dumb girls, he said this initiative is vital to ensure efficient reporting of crime in the state.
He further stated that with the help of Ministry of communications, NH and MP will coordinate with the international regulatory authorities and organization will be made to adopt a procedure for the issuance of driving license to the deaf and dumb.
He informed that when patients come to the hospital for a certificate of deaf and dumb from Social Welfare department after getting the required test done privately, they countersigne it so that they could avail benefits under the certificate.
They are mentally unsound and deaf and dumb. They have served out their sentences.
RAHIM YAR KHAN -- A five-year-old born deaf and dumb girl Seemab would undergo a surgery for acquiring speaking and listening skills.
President Deaf and Dumb Ashfaq Gujjar, Khalid Masood, Chairman Blind Association Riaz Bhatti, Ehsan Ul Haq and others attended the meeting.
ATTOCK, May 15, 2009 (Frontier Star) -- The deaf and dumb school located near People Colony and established in 1992 has been waiting for upgradation since its set up.
Inam Ilahi said that deaf and dumb persons who are physically fit and have proper vision can get driving licenses as there was no restriction in the law of the land.
Meher Taj Roghani has assured taking all possible steps for the welfare of deaf and dumb special persons in the province.
PESHAWAR -- The deaf and dumb persons of the province Wednesday demanded of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister to address their issues and threatened to continue their protest if their issues were not addressed.
Addressing the participants of protest demonstration, BNP(M) women wing leaders alleged that their popular mandate has been hijacked by establishment and secret forces in order to bring a deaf and dumb assembly in position so that anti-Baloch decisions could be imposed.
QUETTA -- BNP(Mengal) has alleged that their popular mandate has been hijacked by establishment and secret forces in order to bring a deaf and dumb assembly in position so that anti-Baloch decisions could be imposed.
QUETTA, September 12, 2009 (Balochistan Times): Government of Balochistan has sent summary to the federal government seeking establishment of special education institutions for deaf and dumb children and youth in other cities of the province like that of provincial capital.
The suspect he said allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge with an eleven years old deaf and dumb girl of same address on the 9/6/2019 while the victim mother was away.