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Punctuation    Accessibility

tone deaf

See amusia and deaf, hard of hearing.

Phrases such as “they are tone-deaf to the situation” or “they are deaf to our needs” are ableist. Please write around it or use alternative language:

  • Inconsiderate
  • Insensitive
  • Rude
  • Tactless
  • Faux pas
  • Obtuse
  • Annoying
  • Thoughtless
  • Careless
  • Heartless
  • Gauche
  • Gaffe
  • Unfeeling
  • Uncaring