What Does SPED Mean on TikTok?

SPED is one of those terms with multiple meanings, both online and offline.

Offline and away from social platforms like TikTok, ‘sped’ is a regular term that refers to speeding in the past tense.

On TikTok however, SPED has a different meaning. It is most often used as an abbreviation of Special Education, with opinions differing on whether the term is derogatory and insulting, or simply a shorthand phrase.

Here are some of the ways that it can be used – both in a positive and a negative light…

Uses of SPED on TikTok

• “She is a SPED”
• “You are such a SPED”
• “I can’t read that; I must be SPED”

It’s important to note that, like with many abbreviations and associative terms, SPED is recognised by different users in different ways. It should be used with caution so as not to offend, with hate speak and derogatory use of such terms banned on TikTok. Using this term in a negative light will often lead to penalisation and could result in your account being blocked or removed completely.

Is SPED a term you recognised before reading this article, or have you learnt something new?