Hold Down the Fort
"Hold down the fort" seems harmless enough, right? Wrong! Apparently, this everyday phrase harbors a dark secret rooted in a dark history. While it literally refers to defending a frontier fort, most people use it to encourage managing things while someone's away. The phrase likely originated in reference to frontier forts being defended against Native Americans, who were often stereotyped negatively.
Another theory suggests it originated from Civil War General Sherman who ordered a besieged Union fort to "Hold the fort! I am coming!" Look, if someone gets bent out of shape about this one, just use something else. There are plenty of other ways to say it, including:
- "Man the Shop"
- "Look After Things"
- "Pick up the Slack"
- "Be on Deck"
- "Keep Things Running"
- "Cover for Me"
Ladies and Gentlemen
"Ladies and gentlemen" isn't considered woke anymore because it assumes that everyone fits into one of two gender categories: male or female. This binary view of gender overlooks the existence of non-binary or gender non-conforming people, causing them to feel excluded from the conversation.
For a politically correct approach, it's better to use gender-neutral language that encompasses all people, regardless of their gender identity. Phrases like "everyone," "folks," or "guests" can be used instead of "ladies and gentlemen" to ensure that everyone feels seen and respected.
Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps
The phrase "Pull yourself up by your bootstraps" can be a double-edged sword. While it encourages hard work and self-reliance, which are positive traits, it gets critiqued for overlooking social realities. The physical impossibility of the act itself reflects the criticism that success isn't solely based on individual effort. Poverty, discrimination, and limited access to resources create significant hurdles for many.
It can also come across as dismissive of the very real struggles faced by those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Instead of focusing blame, phrases like "Through hard work and perseverance..." or "There will be obstacles..." validate effort while recognizing challenges.
Pow-Wow
The term "Pow-Wow" is considered politically incorrect because it appropriates and trivializes Native American culture. Historically, a Pow-Wow is a gathering of Indigenous peoples for cultural and social purposes, often involving dancing, singing, and celebration. However, when used outside of its cultural context, especially by non-Native individuals or groups, it can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Tossing "Pow-Wow" around for your office brainstorming is like calling your kid's finger-painting the Sistine Chapel—it cheapens the significance of the tradition. So, next time you need to huddle with colleagues, ditch the "pow-wow" and opt for something more fitting, like, you know, "meeting."
Tomboy
The word "tomboy" reinforces the idea that girls are supposed to act a certain way and that any behavior that falls outside of traditional gender roles is somehow strange. The term is typically assigned to adolescents who are born female but dress, act, or participate in traditionally masculine activities.
The problem isn't just gender roles but rejecting a young person's ability to express themselves, especially when it relates to gender dysphoria and relationship preferences. In short, try to use more descriptive language that celebrates who a young girl is without getting stuck on outdated gender stereotypes.
Exotic
Using the word "exotic" — particularly to describe other people — raises eyebrows from the woke police. The issue? It implies that something unfamiliar is strange or even inferior, especially because the word's history is tied to colonialism. Everything from America and Europe is "normal," while everything else is just "exotic."
Saying a woman is "exotic" reduces her to how she differs from you, screams patriarchy, and doesn't exactly scream mutual respect. On top of that, "exotic" is often vague and overused. Saying "exotic fruit" tells us nothing specific. Is it a durian or a dragonfruit? Instead, be more descriptive! The goal is to appreciate the unique qualities of someone or something without implying it's somehow "lesser" because it's different.
Merry Christmas
Deck the halls with boughs of... wokeness? It's difficult to imagine a world where the holidays roll around, and we don't start every sentence with "Merry Christmas." But in today's diverse world, think again! Not everyone celebrates Christmas, which leads people of different religious backgrounds to feel marginalized.
In more diverse settings, use more neutral greetings that acknowledge various holidays. The following phrases are more inclusive alternatives that can help everyone in the office feel seen:
- "Happy Holidays"
- "Season's Greetings"
- "Best Wishes"
Boys Will Be Boys
The phrase "boys will be boys" is so outdated it might as well be a mammoth in the Ice Ages. It perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes and excuses inappropriate or harmful behavior by men. By suggesting that certain behaviors are inherent or inevitable based on gender, it reinforces traditional gender norms and dismisses accountability for actions.
Under the guise of traditional masculinity, "boys will be boys" is a phrase that justifies a wide range of behaviors, minimizes consequences, and fails to address the underlying issues of respect, consent, and responsibility. It doesn't just affect women either! The phrase limits boys' emotional expression and perpetuates a culture of toxic masculinity. It implies that boys should be tough, aggressive, and dominant while discouraging empathy, vulnerability, and self-reflection.
Normal
Using "normal" to describe certain characteristics or behaviors can suggest that anything outside of this perceived norm is abnormal or inferior... What's "normal" varies greatly depending on cultural, social, and individual perspectives, so it's a pretty bad benchmark for behavior. In fact, at its worst, it reinforces harmful stereotypes.
Instead of using "normal," a more inclusive and respectful alternative is "typical." "Typical" acknowledges that certain characteristics or behaviors may be common or expected within a specific context without implying that they are superior or ideal. People with neurological deviances (such as autism or ADHD) will adopt the term "neurodivergent" to other themselves from "neurotypical" people.
"I Don't See Color"
Race is a part of a person's background and experience. Saying "I don't see color" can feel dismissive of that identity. It's like saying you don't see someone's height or hair color – it's a noticeable characteristic. We live in a society where race has a significant impact on people's lives. People of color face different challenges and biases than white people. Pretending that's not true doesn't help address those issues.
So, what can you say instead? Here are some better ways to express your desire for a colorblind society:
- "I see you as a person"
- "I value you as an individual"
- "I treat everyone with respect"
- "I believe in equality for all"
Bless You
Believe it or not, "bless you" is now considered un-woke. How?! It's so natural, right? In reality, it carries religious connotations that may not be appropriate in diverse settings, especially around secular folks. The tradition originated from the belief that sneezing could expel evil spirits from the body, and the blessing was meant to protect the person from harm.
In multicultural or secular environments, "bless you" can make people of different faiths or non-religious backgrounds feel uncomfortable. It's considerate to use secular or neutral responses after someone sneezes, like the following:
- Fesundheit (German for "health")
- Salud (Spanish for "health")
- To Your Health
- Health and Happiness
Peanut Gallery
We had no idea that the phrase "peanut gallery" has historical roots in racism and discrimination. Originally, the term referred to the cheapest seats in a theater or auditorium, which were often occupied by Black patrons during segregation and where peanuts were commonly sold.
Using "peanut gallery" in everyday modern life can evoke painful memories of when Black people were dehumanized and segregated from the rest of the theater. It carries connotations of marginalization and disrespect towards a specific racial group, which is why it's seen as "un-woke."
Blind Leading the Blind
The phrase "blind leading the blind" uses blindness as a metaphor for ignorance or incompetence, disrespecting people with impaired sight. Using blindness in this context perpetuates ableism and suggests blind people are incapable of providing guidance or leadership, which is not only untrue but also reinforces harmful stereotypes about their abilities and contributions to society.
In short, it's dismissive and belittling to anyone and everyone, especially people who cannot see like typical folks. It trivializes the challenges faced by both blind individuals and those who are trying their best to navigate unfamiliar territory.
Drink the Kool-Aid
The phrase "drinking the Kool-Aid" trivializes a tragic event and the loss of many lives. It refers to the Jonestown massacre of 1978, where over 900 members of the Peoples Temple, led by Jim Jones, died by drinking poisoned Flavor Aid. The phrase implies blind obedience or unquestioning acceptance of an ideology or belief, often with negative connotations.
Using "drinking the Kool-Aid" in everyday conversation can be insensitive to the victims of the Jonestown tragedy and their families. Instead, try using more neutral terms, like the following:
- "Buying into"
- "Believing in"
- "Accepting without question"
Too Many Chiefs, Not Enough Indians
"Too many chiefs, not enough Indians" originates from a misrepresentation of Native American leadership structures, suggesting that having too many leaders (chiefs) and not enough followers (Indians) leads to chaos or inefficiency. It reduces Indigenous peoples to a simplistic stereotype, erasing the diversity and complexity of Native American cultures and governance systems.
It reinforces outdated and inaccurate portrayals of Indigenous societies as primitive or inferior. Second, it appropriates and trivializes Indigenous culture by using terms like "chiefs" and "Indians" out of their original context. These terms hold specific meanings within Indigenous communities and should not be used casually in workplace or leisurely settings.
Dumb
Both "dumb" and "lame" are terms that have historically demeaned individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities. Using "dumb" to describe someone as unintelligent or foolish is an ableist perception of people who are unable to speak. Similarly, using "lame" to describe something as uncool stems from a derogatory association with physical disability, particularly mobility impairment.
Instead, add the following alternatives to your vocabulary:
- Dumb: "silly," "unwise," "foolish," "ignorant," or "unintelligent."
- Lame: "unimpressive," "unexciting," "dull," "boring," or "unimpressive."
Columbus Day
Columbus Day, obviously, celebrates Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas. However, it's less innocuous than you think. He didn't just "discover" America; natives already populated the land. Unfortunately, his "discovery" led to colonization, exploitation, and violence against Indigenous peoples. The holiday ignores the centuries of oppression, displacement, and cultural genocide inflicted upon Indigenous communities following Columbus' arrival.
In response to this historical oversight, many communities have replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. This shift acknowledges the importance of honoring and uplifting Indigenous voices, cultures, and histories.
Lowest on the Totem Pole
"Low on the totem pole" or "bottom of the totem pole implies a hierarchy with negative connotations, suggesting that those at the bottom are less important or have less authority. This usage trivializes and distorts the cultural significance of totem poles, reducing them to symbols of social status or hierarchy.
The term is not politically correct because it misrepresents the traditional significance of totem poles in Indigenous cultures, particularly those of Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest. In these cultures, totem poles often represent important familial or clan symbols and are not hierarchical in nature.
Crazy
Words that mean "crazy" reinforce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions because they historically were used to mock or belittle struggling people. For instance, using "spaz" to describe someone clumsy or "crazy" to describe irrational behavior reinforces harmful stereotypes about mental illness. Similarly, terms like "basket case" and "hysterical" have been used to dismiss or invalidate individuals' emotions or experiences, particularly those of women.
Here are some alternatives:
- Spaz: "clumsy," "awkward," or "uncoordinated."
- Crazy: "unpredictable," "unusual," or "eccentric."
- Basket Case: "overwhelmed," "struggling," or "stressed."
- Hysterical: "emotional," "panicked," or "distressed."
Chairman
Phrases like "chairman" and other job titles with "man" attached are getting a bit of a side-eye these days because they assume only men hold these positions. This kind of language excludes women and non-binary people who are perfectly qualified for these roles.
Gender-neutral terms are the way to go. Instead of "chairman," just use "chair" — it's clear, concise, and avoids any gender bias. "Chairperson" is grammatically correct, but it's a bit clunky and not as popular these days. This goes for other titles, too. "Businessman" can be "business professional," "policeman" becomes "police officer," and "fireman" is now "firefighter."
'Like a Girl'
We've all heard someone use the insult "he runs like a girl," whether on the playground or in the office. When used in a negative context, such as "running like a girl" or "throwing like a girl," it implies that doing things in a feminine way is inherently inferior or weak.
Not only does the phrase damage girls' self-esteem and confidence, it reinforces the notion that gender expression should be stuck in a rigid binary. Instead of using "like a girl" in a derogatory or dismissive manner, it's better to avoid gendered language altogether or use it in a positive and affirming way.
Homeless
The term "homeless" is not "woke" because it can reduce individuals experiencing homelessness to a single defining characteristic. Additionally, "homeless" may imply a lack of agency or identity beyond housing status, which can be dehumanizing.
"Unhoused" or "unhoused person" is often preferred because it acknowledges that a person may lack stable housing without it defining them. Plus, it emphasizes the systemic factors contributing to homelessness rather than attributing it solely to individual characteristics.
Gypped
"Gypped" is a racial slur derived from the word "Gypsy," which refers to the traveling Romani people. The term perpetuates negative stereotypes because it stereotypes an entire group of people as untrustworthy swindlers who should be looked down on.
Here are some alternatives:
- "Cheated"
- "Swindled"
- "Tricked"
- "Deceived"
- "Defrauded"
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is considered politically incorrect by some because it perpetuates a myth of harmonious relations between early European settlers and Native Americans, while ignoring the violent colonization, displacement, and genocide that followed. Thanksgiving's traditional narrative glosses over the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples by colonists.
The National Day of Mourning has replaced "Thanksgiving" for some communities because it acknowledges the history of colonization and genocide experienced by Indigenous peoples since the arrival of European settlers. The National Day of Mourning is a time for reflection, remembrance, and activism that honors Indigenous Americans in the face of a sanitized version of history rife with stuffed turkey and dressing.
Grandfather Clause
The phrase "Grandfathered in" or "Grandfather clause" is steeped with racial discrimination. Originally, "Grandfather clauses" were used in the United States to exempt individuals from legal requirements, such as literacy tests for voting, if their grandfathers had been eligible to vote before a specific date. These clauses disproportionately affected Black voters whose ancestors had been enslaved and denied the right to vote.
A more politically correct way to convey the same meaning is "exempted" or "granted an exception." Similarly, instead of using "grandfather clause," you can say, "exemption clause" or "legacy provision."
Tone Deaf
Weirdly enough, "tone deaf" can be considered offensive when used to describe a person's lack of empathy or sensitivity towards social issues. It's not so offensive when it refers to a person's inability to hear or produce musical tones; however, when applied to someone's character, it implies that they are insensitive or oblivious to the feelings and experiences of others.
In this context, saying "tone deaf" can trivialize the deaf community. If you want to describe someone's ignorance, here are some alternatives:
- "Insensitive"
- "Unaware"
- "Inconsiderate"
- "Unsympathetic"
- "Clueless"
Dixie
On the surface, "dixie" simply refers to the Southern US. But here's the rub: historically, "Dixie" originated from the Mason-Dixon line that divided the Union from the Confederacy during the Civil War. So, for many people, "Dixie" carries a heavy connotation involving slavery.
That's why The Dixie Chicks ditched the "Dixie" and became "The Chicks." If you just want to talk about the Southern US, there are plenty of neutral options... including just saying "The South!"
Addict
The word "addict" just seems like a regular way to describe someone who's physically and chemically "addicted" to something, typically an illicit substance or bad habit. However, there's a push from the left to use language that emphasizes a person's humanity without lumping their entire existence with addiction.
"Addict" carries a heavy stigma, potentially discouraging people from seeking help. More neutral terms can feel less judgmental and create a safer space for recovery. Here are alternative phrases to use instead:
- "Person with a Substance Use Disorder" (SUD)
- "Someone in Recovery"
- "Struggling with Addiction"
- "History of Substance Use"
Man Hours
"Man hours" isn't woke anymore because the word "man" implies only men are capable of working. The word "man" has been used to represent all people, including women and non-binary people, for centuries, which can feel incredibly exclusionary. In today's world, we're aiming for more inclusive language and acknowledging everyone who contributes to society, regardless of gender.
So, how can we ditch "man-hours"? There are several options!
- "Work Hours"
- "Resources"
- "Person Hours"
- "Staff Hours"
- "Spending Time"
All Lives Matter
The phrase "All Lives Matter" is generally not politically correct because it misses the point of the Black Lives Matter movement. BLM doesn't suggest that only Black lives matter, but rather that Black lives are equally valuable and deserve protection in the face of violence and systemic racism.
"All Lives Matter" is lofted as a clever response to BLM, but it's really just dismissive of the specific struggles faced by Black communities. It can shift focus away from addressing the issues BLM raises. It's like saying, "We should save all endangered species" at a panda fundraiser.