Culture The Stanford Guide to Acceptable Words - Behold the school’s Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative.

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By The Editorial Board
Dec. 19, 2022 6:26 pm ET

Parodists have it rough these days, since so much of modern life and culture resembles the Babylon Bee. The latest evidence is that Stanford University administrators in May published an index of forbidden words to be eliminated from the school’s websites and computer code, and provided inclusive replacements to help re-educate the benighted.

Call yourself an “American”? Please don’t. Better to say “U.S. citizen,” per the bias hunters, lest you slight the rest of the Americas. “Immigrant” is also out, with “person who has immigrated” as the approved alternative. It’s the iron law of academic writing: Why use one word when four will do?

You can’t “master” your subject at Stanford any longer; in case you hadn’t heard, the school instructs that “historically, masters enslaved people.” And don’t dare design a “blind study,” which “unintentionally perpetuates that disability is somehow abnormal or negative, furthering an ableist culture.” Blind studies are good and useful, but never mind; “masked study” is to be preferred. Follow the science.

“Gangbusters” is banned because the index says it “invokes the notion of police action against ‘gangs’ in a positive light, which may have racial undertones.” Not to beat a dead horse (a phrase that the index says “normalizes violence against animals”), but you used to have to get a graduate degree in the humanities to write something that stupid.

The Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative is a “multi-phase” project of Stanford’s IT leaders. The list took “18 months of collaboration with stakeholder groups” to produce, the university tells us. We can’t imagine what’s next, except that it will surely involve more make-work for more administrators, whose proliferation has driven much of the rise in college tuition and student debt. For 16,937 students, Stanford lists 2,288 faculty and 15,750 administrative staff.

The list was prefaced with (to use another forbidden word) a trigger warning: “This website contains language that is offensive or harmful. Please engage with this website at your own pace.”

Evidently it was all too much for some at the school to handle. On Monday, after the index came to light on social media, Stanford hid it from public view. Without a password, you wouldn’t know that “stupid” made the list.

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Stanford University PHOTO: BEN MARGOT/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Source (Archive)

Full list of words:

Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative​

The Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative (EHLI) is a multi-phase, multi-year project to address harmful language in IT at Stanford. EHLI is one of the actions prioritized in the Statement of Solidarity and Commitment to Action, which was published by the Stanford CIO Council (CIOC) and People of Color in Technology (POC-IT) affinity group in December 2020.
The goal of the Elimination of Harmful Language Initiative is to eliminate* many forms of harmful language, including racist, violent, and biased (e.g., disability bias, ethnic bias, ethnic slurs, gender bias, implicit bias, sexual bias) language in Stanford websites and code.
The purpose of this website is to educate people about the possible impact of the words we use. Language affects different people in different ways. We are not attempting to assign levels of harm to the terms on this site. We also are not attempting to address all informal uses of language.
This website focuses on potentially harmful terms used in the United States, starting with a list of everyday language and terminology.** Our "suggested alternatives" are in line with those used by peer institutions and within the technology community.***

Content Warning: This website contains language that is offensive or harmful. Please engage with this website at your own pace.

Ableist​

Ableist language is language that is offensive to people who live with disabilities and/or devalues people who live with disabilities. The unintentional use of such terms furthers the belief that people who live with disabilities are abnormal.
Instead ofConsider usingContext
addictperson with a substance use disorderUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics.
addictedhooked, devotedTrivializes the experiences of people who deal with substance abuse issues.
basket casenervousOriginally referred to one who has lost all four limbs and therefore needed to be carried around in a basket.
blind reviewanonymous reviewUnintentionally perpetuates that disability is somehow abnormal or negative, furthering an ableist culture.
blind studymasked studyUnintentionally perpetuates that disability is somehow abnormal or negative, furthering an ableist culture.
committed suicidedied by suicideAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with mental health conditions.
confined to a wheelchairperson who uses a wheelchairUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics. Also, users of wheelchairs often find them to be an essential tool for their freedom instead of thinking of them as a prison.
crazysurprising/wildAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with mental health conditions.
cripple (n), crippled (adj)person with a disabilityAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with disabilities.
crippled (v)disabled, impaired or weakenedUnnecessarily equates the weakening of something with people living with disabilities.
dumbnon-vocal, non-verbalOnce used to describe a person who could not speak and implied the person was incapable of expressing themselves.
handicap parkingaccessible parkingAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with disabilities.
handicappedperson with a disabilityUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics.
handicapped spaceaccessible spaceAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with disabilities.
insanesurprising/wildAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with mental health conditions.
lameboring, uncoolAbleist language that can trivialize the experience of people living with disabilities.
mentally illperson living with a mental health conditionUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics.
OCDdetail-orientedAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with mental health conditions.
paraplegicperson with a spinal cord injury, person who is paralyzedThis term generalizes a population of people while also implying that people with disabilities are not capable.
quadriplegicperson with a spinal cord injury, person who is paralyzedThis term generalizes a population of people while also implying that people with disabilities are not capable.
retard (n)person with a cognitive disability, person with autism, neurodivergent personThis term is a slur against those who are neurodivergent or have a cognitive disability.
retarded (adj)boring, uncoolThis term is a slur against those who are neurodivergent or have a cognitive disability. It should not be used to make a point about a person, place or thing.
sanity checkconfidence check, coherence check, fact checkThis term could be offensive to those dealing with mental health issues.
spazclumsyAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with disabilities.
stand up meetingquick meetingAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with disabilities.
tone deafunenlightenedAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with disabilities.
walk-indrop-in, open officeAbleist language that trivializes the experiences of people living with disabilities.
wheelchair boundperson who uses a wheelchairUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics. Also, users of wheelchairs often find them to be an essential tool for their freedom instead of thinking of them as a prison.

Ageism​

Ageist language singles out a person based on their age instead of their qualifications.
Instead ofConsider usingContext
gray beardthe person's nameIt calls out an older, and presumably more experienced, IT or cybersecurity person by referring to their age instead of their name.
senileperson suffering from senilityThis term is often used disparagingly to refer to older people whose mental faculties appear to be in decline.

Colonialism​

Colonialism is the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically. It is better to avoid terms that derive from colonialism.
Instead ofConsider usingContext
Philippine IslandsPhilippines or the Republic of the PhilippinesThe term is politically incorrect and denotes colonialism. Some people of Filipino heritage might use the term, though.

Culturally Appropriative​

Culturally appropriative language misuses terms that hold meaning to a particular culture in a way that often lacks respect or appreciation.
Instead ofConsider usingContext
Brave (n)none/do not useThis term perpetuates the stereotype of the "noble courageous savage," equating the Indigenous male as being less than a man.
bury the hatchetcall for peace, call a truceUsing this term is cultural appropriation of a centuries-old tradition among some North American Indigenous Peoples who buried their tools of war as a symbol of peace.
chiefthe person's nameCalling a non-Indigenous person "chief" trivializes both the hereditary and elected chiefs in Indigenous communities. Calling an Indigenous person "chief" is a slur.
Geronimonone/only use when discussing the historical figureGeronimo was a famous leader and medicine man whose name is used today as a caricature of the brave warrior, often during "macho" pursuits.
guruexpert, subject matter expert (SME), primary, leader, teacher, guideIn the Buddhist and Hindu traditions, the word is a sign of respect. Using it casually negates its original value.
low man on the totem polelacking seniority, don't have the power or prestigeTrivializes something that is sacred to Indigenous peoples. Also, in some First Nation communities, being low on the totem pole is actually a higher honor than being on top. The term also reinforces male-dominated language.
on the warpathmad, on the offensiveCultural appropriation of a term that referred to the route taken by Indigenous people heading toward a battle with an enemy.
Pocahontasthe person's nameThis is a slur and should not be used to address an Indigenous woman unless that is her actual name.
pow w ow, poww ow (verb)meet, get togetherUsing this term in this manner demeans a term of cultural significance to Indigenous peoples.
spirit animalfavorite animal, animal I most admire or would like to beThe term refers to an animal spirit that guides/protects one on a journey, so to equate it with an animal one likes is to demean the significance of the term.
too many chiefs, not enough indiansa lack of clear direction, too many competing ideasTrivializes the structure of Indigenous communities.
tribal knowledgeinstitutional knowledgeThis term trivializes the ancestral knowledge handed down through generations of Indigenous peoples.
tribefriends, network, family, support systemHistorically used to equate Indigenous people with savages.

Gender-Based​

Gender-based language includes a range of words and phrases that are not helpful, and, in many cases, are exclusionary. Some people may not mind having the term(s) applied to them or even prefer having the term used. It's always preferable to ask a person how they want to be addressed instead of making assumptions.
Instead ofConsider usingContext
"preferred" pronounspronounsThe word "preferred" suggests that non-binary gender identity is a choice and a preference.
balls to the wallaccelerate effortsAttributes personality traits to anatomy.
ballsybold, risk-takerAttributes personality traits to anatomy.
chairman/chairwomanchairperson, chairLumps a group of people using gender binary language, which doesn't include everyone.
congressman/congresswomancongressperson, legislatorLumps a group of people using gender binary language, which doesn't include everyone.
fireman/firemenfirefighter(s)Lumps a group of people using masculine language and/or into gender binary groups, which don't include everyone.
freshmanfrosh, first-year studentLumps a group of students using masculine language and/or into gender binary groups that don't include everyone.
gentlemeneveryoneLumps a group of people using masculine language and/or into gender binary groups, which don't include everyone.
guysfolks, people, everyoneThis term reinforces male-dominated language.
have the balls tobold, risk-takerAttributes personality traits to anatomy.
heperson's name or "they"Unless you know the person you're addressing uses "he" as their pronoun, it is better to use "they" or to ask the person which pronouns they use.
hermaphrodite (referring to a person)intersex personThis term has historically been used as a slur against LGBTQ+ people.
ladieseveryoneLumps a group of people using gender binary language that doesn't include everyone.
landlord/landladyproperty ownerLumps a group of people using gender binary language, which doesn't include everyone.
mailmanmail person, postal carrier, letter carrierLumps a group of public servants using masculine language and/or into gender binary groups, which don't include everyone.
man (verb)staffThis term reinforces male-dominated language.
man hoursperson hours, effort hours, labor timeThis term reinforces male-dominated language.
man-in-the-middleperson-in-the-middleThis term reinforces male-dominated language.
mankindpeople, humankind, human beingsThis term reinforces male-dominated language.
manmademade by handThis term reinforces male-dominated language.
manpowerworkforce, staffing, staff resources, personnel resourcesThis term reinforces male-dominated language.
policeman / policemen / policewoman / policewomenpolice officer(s)Lumps a group of people using gender binary language, which doesn't include everyone.
seminalleading, groundbreakingThis term reinforces male-dominated language.
sheperson's name or "they"Unless you know the person you're addressing uses "she" as their pronoun, it is better to use "they" or to ask the person which pronouns they use.
shemaletransgender woman, trans womanThis slur is often used disparagingly to refer to people who don't conform to gender expectations. Some in the community do identify with and self-describe as the term, though.
tranny, trannietransgender person, trans or non-gendering conforming folkThis slur is often used disparagingly to refer to people who don't conform to gender expectations. Some in the community do identify with and self-describe as the term, though.
transgenderedtransgenderThis term avoids connections that being transgender is something that is done to a person and/or that some kind of transition is required.
transsexual (unless used medically)transgender person, trans or non-gendering conforming folkThis term has historically been used as a slur against LGBTQ+ people. Some in the community do identify with and self-describe as the term, though.
you guysfolks, people, everyoneLumps a group of people using masculine language and/or into gender binary groups, which don't include everyone.

Imprecise Language​

Imprecise language is terms that utilize euphemisms, vagueness, or inaccurate words to not say what one is trying to say.
Instead ofConsider usingContext
abortcancel/endThis term can unintentionally raise religious/moral concerns over abortion.
AmericanUS CitizenThis term often refers to people from the United States only, thereby insinuating that the US is the most important country in the Americas (which is actually made up of 42 countries).
child prostitutechild who has been traffickedUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics.
circle the wagonstake a defensive positionHollywood movies about settlers migrating west contributed greatly to the formation of this phrase, which means that "savages" are coming and a group of (White) people is about to be attacked. It also paints Indigenous Peoples as the aggressors.
half-breedperson of multiple ethnicitiesThis term is generally considered to be a slur against those of mixed race. Some in the community do identify with and self-describe as the term, though.
HispanicLatinx, use country of originAlthough widely used to describe people from Spanish-speaking countries outside of Spain, its roots lie in Spain's colonization of South American countries. Instead of referring to someone as Hispanic because of their name or appearance, ask them how they identify themselves first.
Indian giverperson who takes something back that was given, one who expects an equivalent gift in return for one that was givenThis term likely derives from misunderstandings about trade customs in early relationships between Indigenous people and White settlers. It is a slur that should not be used to describe anyone.
Indian summerlate summerThis term infers that Indigenous people are chronically late. While it may be innocently used to describe a beautiful time of year, it could have an unintended negative impact on those who hear it.
Karendemanding or entitled White womanThis term is used to ridicule or demean a certain group of people based on their behaviors.
Orientalperson of Asian descent. Better yet, use the specific cultural heritage (Chinese, Japanese, etc.) if known.This term is seen as pejorative as it racializes people of Asian descent as forever opposite "others." (Occidental vs Oriental)
peanut galleryaudience, hecklers or criticsThis term refers to the cheapest and worst section in theaters where many Black people sat during the Vaudeville era.
people of color (used generically)BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)If speaking about a specific group, name that group.
straightheterosexualThis term implies that anyone who is not heterosexual is bent or not "normal."
stupidboring, uncoolOnce used to describe a person who could not speak and implied the person was incapable of expressing themselves.
survivorperson who has experienced..., person who has been impacted by...Using person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their experiences. If the person identifies with the term, then use it.
tarbabydifficult problemThis is a dismissive term for a Black person.
thugsuspect or criminalAlthough the term refers to a violent person or criminal, it often takes on a racist connotation when used in certain circles.
userclientWhile often associated with one who uses (software, systems, services), it can also negatively be associated with those who suffer from substance abuse issues or those who exploit others for their own gain.
victimperson who has experienced..., person who has been impacted by...Using person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their experiences. If the person identifies with the term, then use it.

Institutionalized Racism​

Institutionalized Racism is racism that is embedded in the laws and regulations of a society or an organization. It can be seen in processes, attitudes, and behavior through prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness, and racist stereotyping.
Instead ofConsider usingContext
barriospecific name of neighborhoodThe term indicates any socially segregated non-white neighborhood.
black hatmalicious, criminal, unethical hackerAssigns negative connotations to the color black, racializing the term.
black marksomething that is held against oneAssigns negative connotations to the color black, racializing the term.
black sheep (referring to a person)outcastAssigns negative connotations to the color black, racializing the term.
blackballedbanned, deniedAssigns negative connotations to the color black, racializing the term.
blackboxhidden, mystery box, opaque box, flight recorderAssigns negative connotations to the color black, racializing the term.
blacklist/blacklisteddenylist/disallowedAssigns negative connotations to the color black, racializing the term.
brown baglunch and learn, tech talkHistorically associated with the "brown paper bag test" that certain Black sororities and fraternities used to judge skin color. Those whose skin color was darker than the brown bag were not allowed to join.
cakewalkeasy, simpleEnslaved people covertly used exaggerated dance to mock their enslavers. This turned into "balls" that the White enslavers would hold for entertainment where the prize was a cake.
gangbustersvery successfulUnnecessarily invokes the notion of police action against "gangs" in a positive light, which may have racial undertones.
ghettouse neighborhood's nameThe term indicates any socially segregated non-white neighborhood.
grandfatherlegacyThis term has its roots in the "grandfather clause" adopted by Southern states to deny voting rights to Blacks.
grandfatheredlegacy statusThis term has its roots in the "grandfather clause" adopted by Southern states to deny voting rights to Blacks.
gray hat hackerhacktivistHacker who exploits a weakness in cyber defense to bring the weakness to the attention of the owner, with the goal of improving security. This term combines black hat and white hat, which both hold racial connotations.
master (adj)primary, mainHistorically, masters enslaved people, didn't consider them human and didn't allow them to express free will, so this term should generally be avoided.
master (v)become adept inHistorically, masters enslaved people, didn't consider them human and didn't allow them to express free will, so this term should generally be avoided.
master listlist of record, canonical listHistorically, masters enslaved people, didn't consider them human and didn't allow them to express free will, so this term should generally be avoided.
red teamcyber offense team"Red" is often used disparagingly to refer to Indigenous peoples, so its use in this context could be offensive to some groups.
scalper/scalping (referring to sales or trade)reseller/opportunistThis term refers to the practice of removing a piece of an enemy's scalp with hair still attached. Although both colonizers and Indigenous Peoples performed the practice, it was used as proof of how savage the Natives were. Yet the colonizers were the ones who paid cash bounties for Native scalps, as has been documented in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Scrum Masteragile lead, scrum leaderHistorically, masters enslaved people, didn't consider them human and didn't allow them to express free will, so this term should generally be avoided.
slave (adj)secondary, replica, workerThe historical context of this term involved oppression of a group of people who were enslaved, thought of as less than human and unable to exercise free will.
slave laborunfair work practices, underpaid, overworkedReferences a time when enslavement of people (in particular Black Americans) was allowed.
sold down the riverbetrayedThis term originally referred to a person who was enslaved who was sold as punishment.
tarballtar archiveWhile the term refers to an archive that has been created with the tar command, it can be negatively associated with the pejorative term tarbaby.
to call a spade a spade/ calling a spade a spadeto call something what it is / calling something what it isAlthough the term has its origins in Greek literature, the subsequent negative connotations with the word "spade" means that the phrase should be used with caution or not at all.
uppityarrogant, stuck upAlthough the term originated in the Black community to describe another Black person who didn't know their socioeconomic place, it was quickly adopted by White Supremacists to describe any Black person who didn't act as "expected."
webmaster, web masterweb product ownerHistorically, masters enslaved people, didn't consider them human and didn't allow them to express free will, so this term should generally be avoided.
white hat hackerethical hackerAssigns value connotations based on color (white = good), an act which is subconsciously racialized.
white paperposition paperAssigns value connotations based on color (white = good), an act which is subconsciously racialized.
white teamcyber exercise cellAssigns value connotations based on color (white = good), an act which is subconsciously racialized.
whiteboxvisible, clear boxAssigns value connotations based on color (white = good), an act which is subconsciously racialized.
whitelistallowlistAssigns value connotations based on color (white = good), an act which is subconsciously racialized.
whitespaceempty spaceAssigns value connotations based on color (white = good), an act which is subconsciously racialized.
yellow teamDevSecOps team"Yellow" is often used disparagingly against people of Asian descent.

Person-First​

The use of person-first language helps everyone to resist defining others by a single characteristic or experience if that person doesn't wish to be defined that way. Some people may not mind having the term(s) applied to them or may even prefer having them used. It's always preferable to ask a person how they want to be addressed instead of making assumptions.
Instead ofConsider usingContext
convictperson who is/was incarceratedUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics.
disabled personperson with a disability"Disabled person" implies that the disability defines a person, whereas "Person with a disability" gives the ownership of the disability to the person.
homeless personperson without housingUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics.
immigrantperson who has immigrated, non-citizenUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics.
prisonerperson who is/was incarceratedUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics.
prostitute (n)person who engages in sex workUsing person-first language helps to not define people by just one of their characteristics.

Violent​

Violent language is often used casually and without ill intent. It often involves imagery that may be upsetting to the recipient of such language though. We recommend using non-violent alternatives whenever possible.
Instead ofConsider usingContext
abusive relationshiprelationship with an abusive personThe relationship doesn't commit abuse. A person does, so it is important to make that fact clear.
beat(ing) a dead horserefus(e/ing) to let something goThis expression normalizes violence against animals.
crack the whipdouble down, work hard(er),come down hardUnnecessary use of violent imagery that paints the person being referred to as authoritarian or oppressive.
go off the reservationdisagree with the group, defect from the group, go rogue, not think or function properlyThis phrase is rooted in the violent removal of Indigenous people from their land and the horrible consequences for an Indigenous person who left the reservation. This phrase could also fit under the Cultural Appropriation category.
kill(ing) two birds with one stoneaccomplish(ing) two things at onceThis expression normalizes violence against animals.
killing it, killed itdoing a great job, did a great jobDoing a good job should not be equated with death. The term could also be triggering if someone close to the recipient actually was killed.
more than one way to skin a catmultiple ways to accomplish the taskThis expression normalizes violence against animals.
pull the triggergive it a go, tryUnnecessarily uses violent imagery to encourage another person to do something.
rule of thumbstandard rule, general ruleAlthough no written record exists today, this phrase is attributed to an old British law that allowed men to beat their wives with sticks no wider than their thumb.
take a shot at, take your best shot at, take a stab atgive it a go, tryThese terms represent the unnecessary use of the imagery of hurting someone or something.
trigger warningcontent noteThe phrase can cause stress about what's to follow. Additionally, one can never know what may or may not trigger a particular person.
war roomsituation roomUnneccesary use of violent language.
whipped into shapeorganized, put in orderThe phrase has its roots in the punishment of enslaved people to get them to follow the rules.
wife beater (t-shirt)white ribbed tank top, tank, undershirtThis phrase trivializes domestic violence by associating it with a piece of clothing.

Additional Considerations​

These are terms that don't fit into the other categories but still are important enough to have attention drawn to them.
Instead ofConsider usingContext
African-AmericanBlackBlack people who were born in the United States can interpret hyphenating their identity as "othering." As with many of the terms we're highlighting, some people do prefer to use/be addressed by this term, so it's best to ask a person which term they prefer to have used when addressing them. When used to refer to a person, the "b" should always be capitalized.
circle the wagonsmarshall forces, gather togetherThis phrase suggests an impending attack by the "savages" and should be avoided.
gip (n)Romani (if referring to a person of Romani descent) or cheat (if referring to someone who is dishonest)This term is derived from "gypsy" and relates to the stereotype that Romani people are swindlers.
gip (v)cheat (if referring to what a dishonest person has done)This term is derived from "gypsy" and relates to the stereotype that Romani people are swindlers.
gyp (v), gypped (v)to cheat (someone out of something), cheated/ripped offThese terms are derived from "gypsy" and relate to the stereotype that Romani people are swindlers.
hickuneducated or unsophisicated personThis term assumes that those who come from rural environments are uneducated and/or unsophisticated.
hillbillyperson from the Appalachian or Ozark regions of the USThis is a derogatory term for someone based on the region in which they live or were born.
hip-hip hurray, hip hip hoorayhoorayThis term was used by German citizens during the Holocaust as a rallying cry when they would hunt down Jewish citizens living in segregated neighborhoods.
hold down the fortcover the roleThis phrase stems from settlers and soldiers resisting "savages" when "on the warpath."
Jewedhaggled downThis term is based on a stereotype that people of Jewish descent are cheap and/or hoard money.
long time no seeI haven't seen you in so long!This phrase was originally used to mock Indigenous peoples and Chinese who spoke pidgin English.
no can doI can't do itOriginated from stereotypes that mocked non-native English speakers.
normal personordinary person, common person, conventional personThis phrase results in the "othering" of non-White people and those who live with disabilities, mental illness or disease as not being whole or regular.
prostitute (v)debaseUnnecessarily correlates corrupt or unworthy purposes with sex work.
submitprocessDepending on the context, the term can imply allowing others to have power over you.

Do you have a term you'd like added to the list? Please fill out our suggestion form. Your suggestion will be reviewed and added to the list accordingly. If you don't have a SUNetID to access the suggestions form or if you have other suggestions, please contact us.

* We understand that it may not be possible to eliminate all harmful language on our sites and in our code due to costs, resources, or other reasons. “Eliminate” is a goal to strive for even if it can’t be achieved.

** How a person wishes to be addressed or identified supersedes any of our suggested alternatives for potentially harmful terms. If you are unsure in a given situation, ask the person with whom you are interacting.

*** These are a list of our sources:
Source (behind login wall) (Archive)
 

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>no redneck
Unless this is in another list, Southerners lose out again.

It's also hilarious that black is now okay and African American isn't. These people need their euphemism treadmill to claim victimhood.
'Transexual' was a normal descriptive term for the longest time that the transsexual community used and had no issue with. Only with the "woke" Discord trannies and cultural marxists did special interest groups destroy the term. They have been doing it with 'trap' as well.

america-yes.png
 
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Stanford Presents Richard Scarry's "Best Word Book Ever (For Liars)" (Revised 2022)

They aren't even trying to hide the training in college it seems.

Edit: Jesus fuck Tarbaby is a no-no? Fucking TARBALL is a no-no because it's erroneously associated with "tarbaby"?

That's more embarrassing than ever imagined.
 
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