schizo-

1 of 3

combining form

1

: split : cleft

schizocarp

2

: characterized by or involving cleavage

schizogony

3

: schizophrenia

schizoaffective

schizo

2 of 3

noun

ˈskit-(ˌ)sō 

plural schizos

1

informal + offensive; see usage paragraph below : an individual affected by schizophrenia

2

informal, disparaging + offensive; see usage paragraph below : a person who is mentally unsound

—used especially to suggest an irrational shifting between opposites or extremes of emotion, behavior, opinion, etc.

Usage of Schizo

Although schizo remains in common use as both an adjective and a noun, these uses are increasingly viewed as offensive trivializations of mental illness. When used to disparage someone as mentally unsound, schizo is especially likely to offend.

schizo

3 of 3

adjective

1

sometimes offensive; see usage paragraph below : characterized by conflicting or mutually contradictory elements or attributes

2

a

informal + offensive; see usage paragraph below : of, relating to, or affected by schizophrenia

b

informal, disparaging + offensive; see usage paragraph below : mentally unsound

—used especially to suggest an irrational shifting between opposites or extremes of emotion, behavior, opinion, etc.

Usage of Schizo

Although schizo remains in common use as both an adjective and a noun, these uses are increasingly viewed as offensive trivializations of mental illness. When used to disparage someone as mentally unsound, schizo is especially likely to offend.

Word History

Etymology

Combining form

borrowed from Greek, combining form from schíza "split piece of wood, lath, splinter," derivative from the base of schízein "to split, part, separate" — more at shed entry 1

Noun

by shortening of schizophrenic

Adjective

by shortening of schizophrenic

First Known Use

Noun

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing schizo-

• schizo-affective