spastic
Affected by contractions
Spastic is a medical adjective describing muscle stiffness or spasms, particularly in conditions like cerebral palsy: spastic paralysis.
As a noun, spastic was once clinical terminology for someone with such a condition.
In British slang, it became a severe insult—comparable to retard in force—mocking people with disabilities.
In American slang, spastic is milder, meaning hyperactive or freaking out: He went totally spastic.
The word's acceptability varies dramatically by region.
Involuntary muscular jerk
- convulsionSudden involuntary muscle contractions
- seizureForcible taking or convulsion
- tremorInvoluntary rhythmic shaking
- jerkAbrupt pulling motion
contraction · tic · shudder · quiver · jolt · flailing · thrashing · involuntary
Neurological disorder impairing motor function
- hypertoniaPathological muscle tightness
- rigidityState of being unbending
- stiffnessResistance to deformation
- paralysisLoss of muscle function
paresis · hemiplegia · diplegia · quadriplegia · dystonia · contracture · clonus · motor impairment
Lacking physical grace
- awkwardLacking grace or ease
- klutzyLacking physical coordination
- bumblingClumsily incompetent
- ungainlyLacking ease of movement
fumbling · stumbling · jerky · graceless · maladroit · gawky · inept · floundering
Causing displeasure or attack-oriented
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- pejorativeTerm expressing disapproval
- ableistPrejudiced against disabilities
- insultingShowing contempt through words
degrading · disrespectful · stigmatizing · hurtful · demeaning · discriminatory · insensitive · mocking
twitch
Involuntary muscular jerk
- convulsionSudden involuntary muscle contractions
- seizureForcible taking or convulsion
- tremorInvoluntary rhythmic shaking
jerk · contraction · tic · shudder · quiver · jolt · flailing · thrashing · involuntary · uncontrolled
cerebral palsy
Neurological disorder impairing motor function
- hypertoniaPathological muscle tightness
- rigidityState of being unbending
- stiffnessResistance to deformation
paralysis · paresis · hemiplegia · diplegia · quadriplegia · dystonia · contracture · clonus · motor impairment · muscle tone
uncoordinated
Lacking physical grace
ungainly · fumbling · stumbling · jerky · graceless · maladroit · gawky · inept · floundering · all thumbs
offensive
Causing displeasure or attack-oriented
- derogatoryExpressing criticism or disrespect
- pejorativeTerm expressing disapproval
- ableistPrejudiced against disabilities
insulting · degrading · disrespectful · stigmatizing · hurtful · demeaning · discriminatory · insensitive · mocking · disparaging
spasticsmooth
Without roughness or difficulty
fluid · graceful · coordinated · controlled · flowing
spasticcomposed
Calm and self-possessed
steady · controlled · stable · regular · consistent