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Lame Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lame

[leษชm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling weak

The term 'lame' is often used informally to describe someone or something that is weak, ineffective, or inadequate in some way. It suggests a lack of strength or power and can also refer to a person who is physically impaired, particularly in a leg or foot. In modern usage, it is frequently applied to ideas, excuses, or situations that are considered unconvincing or foolish. The word can also indicate a general sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction with something.

Synonyms

ineffective, poor, unconvincing, weak.

Examples of usage

  • His excuse was too lame to convince anyone.
  • That movie was really lame and not worth watching.
  • I think it's lame to cancel plans at the last minute.
Context #2 | Verb

to injure

To 'lame' someone means to cause them to be physically impaired, especially relating to the legs. It can refer to injuring someone's leg or foot in a way that makes it difficult for them to walk normally. This usage is more literal and is less common in everyday conversation compared to its adjectival form. It describes the act of hampering someone's mobility.

Synonyms

cripple, disable, hinder, impair.

Examples of usage

  • The storm lame the horse's ability to run.
  • He was lamed in the accident and now uses crutches.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In the 1990s, 'lame' became popular slang to describe something uncool, shaping youth culture and communication.
  • Movies and TV shows often use 'lame' to describe characters or ideas that the audience finds unappealing or out of touch.

Psychology

  • Research shows that labeling something as 'lame' can affect social dynamics, influencing group acceptance and behavior.
  • Term usage can create a sense of belonging among peers, as using trendy slang helps in forming connections.

Medicine

  • A person may be called 'lame' due to various medical conditions affecting mobility, including arthritis or injuries.
  • Physical therapy can help some individuals regain mobility and overcome the challenges associated with being 'lame'.

Literature

  • 'Lame' appears in many literary works to describe characters who are physically impaired or facing challenges.
  • Authors utilize this term to evoke empathy and prompt reflections on social attitudes towards disability.

Origin of 'lame'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'lama', which means 'having a defect' or 'crippled'.
  • In Middle English, the term was used to describe animals that couldn't move properly, expanding to people later on.

The word 'lame' has origins in the Old English term 'lama', which meant 'crippled' or 'disabled'. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic *laimaz, a term related to the notion of being unable to walk properly. Over the centuries, the usage of 'lame' evolved to not only describe physical impairment but also to encompass anything that is perceived as weak, foolish, or ineffective. By the late 20th century, 'lame' entered the colloquial language, particularly among young people, as a slang term to describe disappointing ideas or actions. Its use in this context has flourished in recent decades, demonstrating a shift from its original, more serious connotation to a more casual, sometimes playful insult.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,056, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.