There is a call by “woke” people to cancel offensive words and phrases. Some people may find these 40 sayings offensive or outdated because they can be interpreted as promoting harmful stereotypes or behavior. They may also be seen as insensitive to marginalized groups of people.
That’s So Gay
This saying is often used to describe something that is lame or uncool. However, it can be offensive to LGBTQ+ people, as it implies that being gay is a negative thing.
I’m Colorblind
“Colorblind” is often used to describe someone who does not see race. It is a well-intentioned term but problematic for a few reasons. It is essential to acknowledge that race is a real thing. It is a social construct, but it is a very real construct that significantly impacts people’s lives. To say that you are “colorblind” is to deny the existence of race and the realities of racism.
Gypsy
This term is used to describe a member of a Roma ethnic group. It is often used in a derogatory way and is considered offensive by many Roma people.
Oriental
This term is used to describe people or things from East Asia. It is considered outdated and offensive by many people of Asian descent.
Eskimo
This term is used to describe an Inuit or Yupik person. It is considered outdated and offensive by many Inuit and Yupik people.
Indian
This term is used to describe a Native American person. It is considered outdated and offensive by many Native Americans.
You’re Crazy
This term can be a triggering statement for people with mental health conditions. Hearing the word “crazy” can bring back memories of past trauma or abuse, making them feel like they are not in control of their minds.
Retarded
This term is used to describe someone with an intellectual disability. It is considered outdated and offensive by many people with intellectual disabilities.
Colored
This term is used to describe people of color. It is considered outdated and offensive by many people of color.
Master/enslaved Person
These terms describe different roles in a computer system or network. However, they can be offensive to people who have experienced slavery or racism, as they evoke the history of slavery in the United States.
Blocklist/Allowlist
These terms describe lists of people or things that are blocked or allowed, respectively. However, they can be offensive to people of color, as they evoke the history of blocklisting and allowlisting, which were used to discriminate against people of color.
Grandfathered In
This term describes a person or thing exempt from a new rule or regulation because it existed before the rule was created. However, it can be offensive to people who are familiar with the history of segregation in the United States, as it evokes the practice of grandfather clauses, which were used to disenfranchise black voters.
You Guys
“guys” is historically a gendered term that refers to men. While it is now sometimes used in a gender-neutral way, some people feel that it is still dismissive of women and non-binary people.
Man Up
The phrase “man up” is often used to tell someone to be strong, not to show emotion, or to behave in a way that is considered to be traditionally masculine. The phrase can be dismissive and invalidating. It can make someone feel like their emotions are not valid and make them feel like they have to suppress their true feelings to be accepted.
Follow the Rule of Thumb
The phrase “rule of thumb” is often used to refer to a general principle or guideline that is not exact but is helpful as a rough estimate. However, the phrase has a problematic history. In the 18th century, a legal doctrine in England allowed a husband to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. This doctrine was known as the “rule of thumb.”
Check your Blind Spot
This is a common phrase while driving or as a metaphor for when people are missing the point. However, this can be seen as being insensitive to people with visual impairments, so it is best avoided.
She’s The Black Sheep of the Family
The phrase “she’s the black sheep of the family” is considered offensive for a few reasons. First, it is a negative and derogatory term used to describe someone who is different from or does not fit in with the rest of their family. Second, the phrase has its origins in racism. Black sheep were initially seen as being defective or inferior to white sheep. This association with racism can make the phrase even more hurtful and offensive to people of color.
She’s Just a Dumb Blonde
This sexist stereotype suggests that blonde women are less intelligent than women with other hair colors. This stereotype is harmful and inaccurate to women, especially blonde women.
That’s So Lame
This phrase is a derogatory term used to describe someone or something considered uncool, unfashionable, or unpopular. This can be hurtful and make the person or thing feel inferior.
Illegal Alien
“Illegal alien” is a dehumanizing term that reduces people to their immigration status. It is important to remember that people are not illegal; actions are.
Non-White
“Non-white” is a term used to define people by what they are not rather than who they are. This can dehumanize and invalidate.” Non-white” can perpetuate the idea that white people are the default or norm and that everyone else is different from or other than them. This can reinforce racism and discrimination.
Exotic
Exotic is a term that is used to describe something foreign or unusual. This can be problematic because it can be used to otherize and marginalize people from different cultures.
Elderly
Saying elderly can be seen as a dehumanizing term that reduces people to their age. It can also be seen as a way to otherize and marginalize older adults.
Policeman
Gender-neutral language should be used wherever possible which means ‘policeman’ should be replaced with ‘police officer’.
Spirit Animal
This term is often used to describe a person’s connection to a particular animal, but it is also a sacred concept in many Indigenous cultures. In these cultures, spirit animals are seen as guides and protectors, and they are not something to be taken lightly. When people use the term “spirit animal” casually, it can be seen as disrespectful and appropriative.
Burned at The Stake
This refers to a historical form of execution used to punish people for crimes such as heresy and witchcraft. This execution was ruthless and painful, associated with much suffering.
Suffering With
Implying someone is “suffering with” an illness can be seen as dehumanizing, as it reduces people to their condition or illness. It can also imply that the person is weak or helpless.
That’s Hysterical
The word “hysterical” has a long and complex history, but it is generally understood to mean “uncontrollably emotional” or “in a state of uncontrollable laughter.” In the past, it was often used to describe women expressing strong emotions in a hostile or dismissive way.
Open Sesame
The phrase “open sesame” comes from the Middle Eastern folktale “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.” Some people may feel that using this phrase casually or flippantly is inappropriate, as it is part of a sacred cultural tradition.
They’re an Addict
The phrase “they’re an addict” can be seen as dehumanizing, as it reduces people to their addiction. It can also imply that the person is weak or helpless.
Cotton Picking Minute
The phrase “cotton-picking minute” is considered offensive because it is a racial slur. It is associated with the history of slavery in the United States, when African Americans were forced to pick cotton in inhumane conditions. The phrase is often used in a derogatory way to describe someone slow or lazy, and it can be exceedingly hurtful to people of color.
Indian Giver
The term “Indian giver” is a racial slur denigrating Native Americans. The term “Indian giver” is often used to describe someone who gives a gift and then takes it back, a stereotype often used to portray Native Americans as untrustworthy and dishonest.
Act like a Real Man
This harmful stereotype suggests that there is only one way to be a man. This stereotype can be very damaging to men who do not conform to traditional notions of masculinity. For example, men who are not physically strong or assertive may feel like they are not real men.
Master Bedroom
“Master bedroom” is a term that is rooted in slavery. The word “master” is often used to refer to enslavers or other servants. Using this term to describe a bedroom implies that the person who sleeps in that room is superior to the others in the house.
Mankind
“Mankind” is a gendered term that excludes people who do not identify as men. This can be hurtful and invalidating to women, non-binary people, and other people who do not fit within the traditional definition of “man.”
Sanity Check
Using the term “sanity check” implies that people with mental illnesses are not sane. This can be hurtful and invalidating to people struggling with mental health.
Illegally
Using phrases such as “they did it illegally” is dehumanizing to refer to people as “illegals.” It reduces them to their immigration status and ignores their humanity.
Jump the Gun
Gun violence is a severe problem in many countries, and many people have been directly or indirectly affected by it. Using the phrase “jump the gun” to describe someone who is acting impulsively can be insensitive and hurtful to these people.
Beat a Dead Horse
Saying “beat a dead horse” is a reference to animal cruelty. The mental image of beating a dead horse is quite disturbing, and it can be upsetting to people who love animals or have been victims of animal cruelty.
Soften the Blow
“Soften the blow” is not generally considered to be offensive. However, some people may find it insensitive or hurtful, depending on the context in which it is used. If someone is grieving the loss of a loved one, using the phrase “soften the blow” to describe the death could be seen as dismissive or minimizing their grief.
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