an electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having a terminal - receiving passageway . an insulation displacement terminal is received in the passageway for terminating an insulated wire extending into the passageway . the wire includes an electrical conductor with a sheath of insulation thereabout . the terminal includes a terminating section deflectable for displacing the insulation and engaging the conductor . the terminating section is generally flat in a plane coincident with the longitudinal axis of the insulated wire . at least a portion of the terminating section is deflectable upon the application of a force on the terminal generally parallel to the longitudinal axis . the terminating section is configured to be permanently deformed when deflected into insulation - displacing condition with the insulated wire . the invention also is directed to such a terminal , per se .