Definition

Noun: The avoidance of expressions, actions, or policies that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people, particularly those who are socially disadvantaged or subject to discrimination. It involves using language and promoting practices intended to be neutral, inoffensive, and respectful of diversity.

Usage

The term is used to describe a principle or a social norm. It often appears in discussions about language, culture, and institutional policies. * It is commonly used as an uncountable noun (e.g., "political correctness," "a debate about political correctness"). * It can be used in a descriptive, approving, or critical context, depending on the speaker's perspective.

Examples

• The university's new speech guidelines were introduced in the name of political correctness.
• Critics argue that political correctness stifles free and open debate.
• Supporters see political correctness as a necessary step toward creating a more inclusive society.
• The comedian's routine was accused of violating the norms of political correctness.

Advanced Usage

• The adjective form "politically correct" (often abbreviated as PC) is frequently used to describe specific language or behavior.
  • Example: It is considered politically correct to use "chairperson" instead of "chairman."
• The phrase "political correctness gone mad" is a common critical idiom suggesting that the principle has been applied to an unreasonable or absurd extreme.
  • Example: Some view the renaming of classic books as political correctness gone mad.

Variants and Related Words

• Politically Correct (adj): Conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated.
• PC (adj, n): A common initialism for "politically correct" or "political correctness."
• Woke (adj, informal): Originally meaning alert to racial or social injustice and discrimination, it is sometimes used synonymously with or as a successor to "politically correct," though its connotations and usage are distinct and evolving.

Synonyms

• Sensitivity
• Inclusivity
• Linguistic prescriptivism (in the context of language rules)
• Social awareness

Antonyms

• Incorrectness
• Insensitivity
• Provocation
• Offensiveness

Idioms and Common Phrases

• A victim of political correctness: Used to describe something (e.g., a tradition, a joke) perceived to have been unfairly altered or banned due to PC norms.
• The PC police / thought police: A derogatory term for people perceived as aggressively enforcing norms of political correctness.
  • Example: He said he was tired of being criticized by the PC police for every joke he made.

Noun

1. avoidance of expressions or actions that can be perceived to exclude or marginalize or insult people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against