lame

some people who walk with difficulty report liking this word; it is not essentially derogatory nor is it necessarily used disparagingly of those who are lame. However, "lame" is also used metaphorically to mean "weak," as in "a lame excuse" or "That is so lame," and in a small way this usage insults those who have the physical condition. Avoid using "lame" to describe a person with a disability except in a quote. In the case of a leg injury, explain instead that an injury resulted in difficulty walking. In other uses, it is much cleverer to find a precise word to convey your meaning: pathetic, flimsy, ridiculous. See also disabilities.