Subnormal for Dummies

Hey there! I'm here to help you understand the word "subnormal." So, let's dive right in and break it down together!

Subnormal is an interesting word that can have a few different meanings depending on the context. The most common use of this word is to describe something that is below or less than what is considered normal. It's like when you have a test and the average score of your classmates is 80%, but you score less than that, say 60%. In this case, your score is subnormal, meaning it is lower than what is typically expected.

Just think of it as being a little behind the usual level or standard.

Now, let's talk about another way subnormal is used. Sometimes, this word is used to describe a person who has below-average intelligence or cognitive abilities. This could mean that the person may struggle with activities that others find easier, like reading, writing, or solving math problems. It does not mean there's something wrong with them as a person. It's just a way to describe their cognitive abilities, much like someone who has above-average intelligence is called "gifted."

Think of it as someone having a slightly more difficult time learning certain things or understanding certain concepts, and that's okay!

Now, let's use an analogy to help us understand this word even better. Imagine a football team where everyone is expected to score at least one goal per match. But there's one player on the team who consistently scores less than the others, sometimes not scoring at all. In this case, we can say that player's performance is subnormal compared to the rest of the team. It doesn't mean the player is a bad person or a bad football player; it just means their performance is below what is expected.

So subnormal is like when someone or something falls below the usual level, standard, or expectation.

Remember, it's important to always be kind and understanding towards others who may have subnormal cognitive abilities. Just like we all have strengths and weaknesses in different areas, everyone learns and understands things at their own pace. So, if you ever come across the word "subnormal" again, you now have a good understanding of what it means!