Beyoncé and Lizzo, two of the music world’s most influential artists, recently faced intense criticism for their use of the term “spaz” in newly released songs. Lizzo sang “you see this s**t? I’m a spaz” in her single “Grrrls,” while Beyoncé used the phrase “Spazzin‘ on that ass” in her track “Heated.”
Disability advocates quickly condemned the lyrics, informing both singers that “spaz” has long carried derogatory connotations as an ableist insult mocking those with spastic cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular conditions.
While Lizzo and Queen Bey likely intended no offense, their prominent placement of the term reignited visibility around “spaz” as a slur rooted in shaming disabled bodies. It also sparked heated debate across social media regarding artistic expression, harm, and the constant evolution of language.
Reckoning with Realities of Representation
According to disability scholars, media portrayal of minority groups often initially relies on stereotyping tropes or pejorative language until a cultural reckoning prompts more conscious storytelling.
Both in rhetoric and policy, disabled citizens have historically experienced marginalization or attempts to regulate their bodies out of public view. A 2019 report by the CDC found 25% of adults in the U.S. live with some form of disability, making them the world’s largest minority demographic. Yet advocates say suffering remains wrongly dismissed as inspirational backstories rather than addressed as societal problems requiring structural solutions.
While no perfect guidelines yet exist, critics argue conscious artists must increasingly consider the lived realities of fans targeted by certain language.
Evolving Language Means Evolving Impact
However, decades may pass before lexicon catches up with modern sensitivities. According to sociolinguists, language changes occur in stages:
1. Dominant use – terms become widespread in the cultural vernacular
2. Contestation – marginalized groups protest pejorative connotations
3. Majority defense – public debates emerge over original or modern offense
4. Tipping point – defense of the terminology diminishes as creators shift away from traditional connotations
In 2022, the English-speaking world sits at a tipping point over “spaz." Gen Z music fans may see the word as merely meaning “losing control” with no insult attached. But for older generations, “spastic” immediately conjures cruel taunts once commonly slung at vulnerable classmates in the schoolyard.
The Artists Respond
Upon disabled fans and advocates highlighting harm in the lyrics, both Beyoncé and Lizzo responded by promptly removing the language. Beyoncé edited “Heated” to say “blastin’ on that ass” in place of “spazzin‘,” while Lizzo amended “Grrrls” to say “hold me back” rather than “I‘m a spaz."
In a statement, Lizzo wrote: "It‘s been brought to my attention that there is a harmful word in my song "GRRRLS". Let me make one thing clear: I never want to promote derogatory language…"
Rather than issue defensive justification around artistic liberty, both artists focused squarely on impact to marginalized communities. Their willingness to listen, accept critique, and immediately alter language set a standard many felt was the correct ethical response.
Beyoncé‘s quick actions to edit a pre-release track, and Lizzo’s direct engagement with disabled fans brought redemption. Still, their prominence kept public attention focused on ableism embedded within cultural expression.
For discourse on diversity and inclusion to keep progressing, we must approach language as a collective, not individual, responsibility. As performers shape key facets of cultural conversation, they maintain heightened accountability over the rhetoric they normalize. But audience willingness to extend grace around growth and guidance is equally required.
By responding with openness and humility when causing unintentional harm, artists like Beyoncé and Lizzo modeled a restorative approach that balances creative liberties with principles of inclusive and compassionate society. The linguistics surrounding disability may still require decades more evolution before aligning to perfect righteousness. But through ongoing unified efforts we inch ever closer to justice.
