I think Alice is socially and emotionally crippled

[alpacinou]

Does it make sense to say someone is "socially and emotionally crippled"?

Is this correct and natural?

I think Alice is emotionally and socially crippled. She doesn't really know how to interact with people and how to communicate her emotions to even her closest friends.

 

[Barque]

It could work if you're someone with an excellent command over the language. If your other sentences in the passage sound non-native, this will sound very awkward.

 

[tedmc]

I would use words like "challenged/awkward/handicapped/deficient".

 

[Tarheel]

I would use words like "challenged/awkward/handicapped/deficient".

I use the second one (awkward) to describe myself sometimes.

 

[Tdol]

How about scarred? I'd be careful about using the word cripple as some may well take offence.

 

[emsr2d2]

I'd be careful about using the word cripple as some may well take offence.

The same goes for "handicapped".

 

[Amigos4]

How about scarred? I'd be careful about using the word cripple as some may well take offence.

The same goes for "retarded".

 

[Amigos4]

I think “flawed” would work nicely.

 

[Amigos4]

I think Alice is emotionally and socially crippled. She doesn't really know how to interact with people and how to communicate her emotions to even her closest friends.

There are definite “flaws” in Alice’s emotions and interactions. As pointed out by several native speakers, stay away from the politically incorrect words that are discussed in this thread. Your audience will be impressed!