Neurospicy is just another way of referring to a neurodivergent individual or group of individuals. It’s not another word for a neurodiverse group (which most people use to refer to a group of neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals), but something that’s specifically related to neurodivergent status. The ‘spicy’ part simply comes from internet culture’s tendency to refer to anything slightly narrative-challenging as ‘spicy’.
We often represent it using the pepper emoji: 🌶️.
What on earth is ‘Neurospicy’?🌶️ | LinkedIn
“Neurospicy” emerged in neurodivergent conversations online in the early 2020s. There is no identified originator for this term so it could be considered community-created. The term was created to half-jokingly combat the medical term “mild autism” and appears to be used mostly by Autistic individuals who may also be ADHD and have mental health differences.
The Impact of ‘Neurospicy’ on Neurodivergent Communities – Autistic and Living the Dream
“Spicy” implies an exciting mixture of different things. This evokes the spiky profiles of neurodivergent people. Spicy is also a way to push back against having your identity dismissed as “mild” autism.
First there was neurodiversity. Then there was neurodivergence.
Now there’s neurospicy?!
You may have come across this new word or neologism that’s gaining popularity online. ‘Neurospicy’ is a new internet term for neurodivergence. It’s a fun and quirky phrase that the neurodivergent community is using to describe their neurodivergence.
But since there are different terms for describing differences in thinking, let’s get clear on their meaning and use.
What Does Neurospicy Mean? – Caption.Ed
Many people prefer the term ‘neurospicy’ as a way of describing their differences. And that may be because it offers a more intriguing, fun, and casual way to explain their neurodivergence.
By saying ‘I’m a bit neurospicy’, it can feel easier for neurodivergent people to disclose their differences without it feeling too weighty or awkward.
‘Neurospicy’ offers a light-hearted descriptor to introduce the topic. It means the same thing as neurodivergent but is a less serious way to say it.
What Does Neurospicy Mean? – Caption.Ed
Neurospicy is a brand new word popping up all over the random little corners of the internet I like to inhabit.
And I’m seeing lots of weird and wonderful definitions.
So I’m here to set the record straight…
It’s NOTHING to do with food, or mind games.
Neurospicy is a fun way to say neurodiverse or describe the neurodivergent community.
What does Neurospicy mean?
Racist-Sexist Concerns With “Neurospicy”
“Neurospicy” is used to describe multiply neurodivergent people or groups. Neurospicy can be used to avoid disclosure of diagnosis and as a way to resist medical functioning labels. However, neurospicy dismisses the disabled experiences of many neurodivergent people. The term also objectifies global majority women due to racial-sexist undertones.
The Impact of ‘Neurospicy’ on Neurodivergent Communities – Autistic and Living the Dream
The word “spicy” has been used to fetishise women from African, Asian, and Latin American backgrounds. Despite the word’s intended playfulness, the use of neuro_spicy_ can trigger racial trauma, and when applied to neurodivergent people from the global majority, can compound intersecting marginalisation. The term can diminish someone’s neurocognitive style, culture, and racialised background.
As BlackSpectrumScholar shared on Threads: “I find the term “neurospicy” offensive to Black and Brown neurodivergent folks because it reinforces stereotypes that sexualize and exoticize us as “spicy” and reduce us to caricatures—fiery, passionate, or overly sensual—based on race or ethnicity.” (see their thread and follow their work here).
The Impact of ‘Neurospicy’ on Neurodivergent Communities – Autistic and Living the Dream
