Table of Contents
Intro
Language is a powerful tool that shapes our understanding of the world and the people in it. Yet, many of us unknowingly use words and phrases that carry racist undertones, perpetuating stereotypes and reinforcing systemic biases. As someone who has been caught in the trap of repeating language without considering its consequences, I know firsthand how easy it is to fall into this habit. However, as someone who is white, I recognize the privilege that I have, and I know we all need to push harder to eliminate these terms from our vocabulary.
Below, I’ll explore some commonly used terms with racist origins and offer more inclusive alternatives.
1. “Baby Mama” and “Baby Daddy”
These terms are often used to describe the parents of a child born out of wedlock. While they may seem neutral, they carry a stigma, particularly against Black women and men, reducing them to harmful stereotypes of irresponsibility.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Co-parent”
- “The mother/father of my/their child”
2. “Pookie”
This term has become a derogatory label used to stereotype Black men, often implying criminality or laziness. It is rooted in a narrative that perpetuates negative and harmful stereotypes.
Alternative Phrases:
- Address individuals by their name or specific role rather than using nicknames.
3. “Peanut Gallery”
Originally referring to the cheapest seats in theaters, often occupied by Black patrons, “peanut gallery” has evolved to describe hecklers or critics. Its racist origins are often overlooked.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Hecklers”
- “Critics”
4. “Uppity”
“Uppity” was used by Southern whites during the Jim Crow era to describe Black people who were seen as overly self-assured or ambitious. The word is deeply rooted in racism and classism.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Arrogant” (though this too has negative connotations, it isn’t a racist term)
5. “Grandfathered In”
This phrase comes from post-Civil War laws in the Southern United States that were designed to disenfranchise Black voters while allowing poor white men to vote, often by exempting those whose grandfathers had voting rights before the Civil War.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Legacy clause”
- “Exempted”
6. “Eskimo”
“Eskimo” is an outdated and offensive term used to describe Indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions. The term is considered derogatory by many, as it was imposed by outsiders and carries colonial connotations.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Inuit” (for the people of Canada and Greenland)
- “Yupik” or “Iñupiat” (for Indigenous peoples of Alaska)
7. “Gypped” and “Gypsy”
The term “gypped” is derived from “Gypsy,” a pejorative name for the Romani people, and is used to describe being cheated or swindled. The word “Gypsy” itself has been used to stereotype the Romani as thieves or wanderers, reinforcing negative and harmful stereotypes.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Cheated”
- “Swindled”
- Use “Romani” when referring to the ethnic group.
8. “No Can Do”
This phrase mocks Chinese Pidgin English, reflecting the racist attitudes towards Chinese immigrants in the United States during the 19th century.
Alternative Phrases:
- “I can’t do that”
- “That’s not possible”
9. “Spirit Animal”
In many Indigenous cultures, a spirit animal is a sacred guide or protector. The term has been appropriated and trivialized in popular culture, often used to describe a person or thing someone admires, without understanding its cultural significance.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Role model”
- “Inspiration”
10. “Long Time No See”
Like “No Can Do,” this phrase mimics broken English, mocking the speech patterns of Native Americans and Chinese immigrants.
Alternative Phrases:
- “It’s been a while”
- “I haven’t seen you in a long time”
11. “Master Bedroom”
The term “master bedroom” has roots in the history of slavery, where the “master” of the house had a large, private bedroom. This phrase has been criticized for its associations with slavery and dominance.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Primary bedroom”
- “Main bedroom”
12. “Blackball”
“Blackballing” refers to the practice of excluding someone from a group or organization. The term comes from a voting system where a black ball signified a negative vote. The use of “black” to denote something negative has racist undertones.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Exclusion”
- “Ostracism”
13. “Cakewalk”
Today, “cakewalk” refers to something easy to accomplish, but the term originally referred to a dance performed by enslaved Black people in the Southern United States. The dance was intended to mock the manners of white slave owners, but the term eventually became associated with a simple, easy task, erasing its more complex and painful origins.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Walk in the park”
- “Breeze”
14. “Hooligan”
“Hooligan” has roots in anti-Irish sentiment in the 19th century, often used to describe rowdy or unruly behavior stereotypically associated with Irish immigrants.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Troublemaker”
- “Vandal”
15. “Hip Hip Hooray”
This phrase, now used in celebrations, has a darker origin related to anti-Semitic chants used during the Holocaust. “Hip Hip” was part of the rallying cry “Hep-Hep,” used by mobs attacking Jewish people in Germany in the 19th century. Though its usage today is largely disconnected from this history, it’s a reminder of the phrase’s painful origins.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Hooray!”
- “Cheers!”
16. Paddy Wagon
This term refers to police vans used to transport large groups of people. “Paddy” is a derogatory term for Irish immigrants, and the phrase reflects stereotypes about Irish people being drunk or criminal.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Police van”
- “Transport van”
17. “Eenie Meenie Miney Mo”
This childhood rhyme originally included a racist slur in place of the word “tiger” in the version most are familiar with today. Though the slur has been replaced, the rhyme’s origins are still troubling.
Alternative Phrases:
- Consider using a different counting rhyme or method entirely.
18. “Call a Spade a Spade”
Though this phrase originally referred to a simple, honest description, its use of the word “spade” has become problematic due to its later association with a racial slur against Black people.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Tell it like it is”
- “Be straightforward”
19. “Ghetto”
Originally referring to the areas where Jewish people were forced to live in European cities, “ghetto” has become a derogatory term often used to describe poor, predominantly Black neighborhoods in the United States. It’s frequently used in a negative, stereotypical way.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Under-resourced area”
- “Low-income neighborhood”
20. “Bury the Hatchet”
This phrase is rooted in the practice of Native American tribes burying weapons to symbolize peace. While not overtly racist, the term can be seen as trivializing a significant cultural ritual.
Alternative Phrases:
- “Make peace”
- “Settle differences”
Reflecting on Language and Privilege
As a white person, I recognize the privilege I have in being able to reflect on and change my language without facing the systemic oppression that many others do. I often take a hard look at myself, and my vocabulary, especially after being told something I’ve said is wrong. It’s essential to be our own worst critics, but also to understand that bullying over a misunderstanding can be more harmful than helpful.
While it’s important to call out bad behavior among fellow white people, it’s just as crucial to ensure that we don’t drown out the voices of those fighting their own battles. As allies, our role is to amplify marginalized voices, not speak over them.
Moving Forward
Though language is always evolving, we must always be mindful of the impact our words have. By consciously choosing more inclusive language, we contribute to creating a more respectful place for everyone. It’s a small but significant step towards dismantling the biases that persist in our world. Just because a word or phrase may have a new meaning, it doesn’t negate it’s root in racism to begin with. We need to look hard at the cultural significance of all the of phrases we use to ensure we are all using inclusive language that isn’t harmful to others.
We live in the age of of information and there’s no excuse anymore to not research, reflect, rethink and reword after being told we’re behaving in a manner that’s not inclusive. As we move forward, let’s continue to educate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, and encourage others to do the same. After all, change starts with the words we choose to use every day.
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