special olympics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal (when referring to the organization/events), Informal/Slang (when used metaphorically or pejoratively)
Quick answer
What does “special olympics” mean?
A global, year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A global, year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The specific, organized events, games, or competitions held under this program; also used informally and sometimes problematically as a metaphor for something perceived as being non-competitive or for participation only, or to mock poor performance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in formal reference. The informal, pejorative metaphor might be slightly more prevalent in American media/sports commentary, but is condemned in both varieties.
Connotations
In formal contexts, connotations are universally positive: inclusion, achievement, courage. In informal/derogatory use, connotations are negative: lack of skill, non-competitiveness.
Frequency
Formal reference frequency is similar. Awareness of the organization is high in both cultures due to global media coverage of the World Games.
Grammar
How to Use “special olympics” in a Sentence
The [place/regional] Special Olympics [is/are] held...to participate in the Special Olympicsto qualify for the Special Olympicsto train for the Special OlympicsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “special olympics” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council has agreed to Special Olympics the community games to make them more inclusive. (rare, non-standard, potentially offensive)
American English
- They totally Special Olympicked that presentation. (slang, derogatory)
adjective
British English
- It was a real Special Olympics moment of sportsmanship. (informal, potentially problematic)
American English
- He has a Special Olympics-level work ethic. (slang, derogatory)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) contexts: 'Our company is a proud sponsor of the Special Olympics.'
Academic
Used in sports science, sociology, and disability studies: 'The social impact of the Special Olympics on community inclusion.'
Everyday
Most common in news reports about events or community volunteering: 'My son is training for the local Special Olympics.'
Technical
Specific in sports administration and disability advocacy, referring to rules, classifications, and event management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “special olympics”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “special olympics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “special olympics”
- Using lowercase ('special olympics').
- Using 'Special Olympics' as a generic term for any disability sport (it's a specific trademarked organization).
- Using the term pejoratively.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are a separate, independent global movement inspired by the Olympic ideal, but they are not part of the International Olympic Committee's Olympic Games.
The Special Olympics is for athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ability levels. The Paralympics is for elite athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments (in specific sports), and it follows a more traditional, elite sports model.
Yes, using the term to mock someone's performance is widely considered highly offensive and disrespectful to the millions of athletes who train and compete seriously in the Special Olympics.
Yes. Athletes or teams are awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals based on their performance in divisions where they compete against others of similar ability.
A global, year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Special olympics is usually formal (when referring to the organization/events), informal/slang (when used metaphorically or pejoratively) in register.
Special olympics: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspeʃ.əl əʊˈlɪm.pɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspeʃ.əl əˈlɪm.pɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “This isn't the Special Olympics! (derogatory, implying standards should not be lowered)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think SPECIAL as in 'specific' or 'extra' OLYMPICS - it's a specific, extraordinary version of the Olympic ideal for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE OLYMPICS AS A FRAMEWORK FOR INCLUSION (formal); COMPETITION AS A MEASURE OF SERIOUSNESS (informal/derogatory).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the CORRECT and respectful use of the term?