Freak facts for kids
A freak is a word that has been used to describe a person who looks very different because of a special medical condition or changes they made to their body. This word first appeared in the 1880s. It was a shorter way of saying "freak of nature." This older phrase meant something unusual or surprising that happened in nature.
Over time, the meaning of "freak" changed. In the 20th century, it became a negative word, often used to be unkind about someone who looked different. However, today, the word is also used in a fun way to describe someone who is very enthusiastic or obsessed with something, like a "health freak."
How the Word is Used
The word "freak" was once used by people who ran and performed in freak shows. These shows were popular a long time ago but are not common anymore. A famous person called Joseph Merrick, known as the "Elephant Man," was sometimes described using this word.
In these shows, people were often put into two groups:
- Natural freaks: These were people born with a genetic difference or unusual body features.
- Self-made freaks: These were people who changed their bodies on purpose, sometimes with things like surgical implants.
The word "freak" also has newer meanings. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was used to describe someone with a very unusual look or behavior. This idea became well-known with the rock band The Mothers of Invention and their album Freak Out!.
More recently, "freak" can mean someone who is very keen on something. For example, a "health freak" is someone who is very interested in staying healthy. A "control freak" is someone who likes to control everything.
In Science
Scientists sometimes use the word "freak" to describe plants and animals that have a mutation. A mutation is a natural change in their genetics that makes them look or behave differently from others of their kind.
See also
- Ableism
- Deviance (sociology)
- Social rejection
- Teratology
Images for kids
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Joseph Merrick, c.1889
