Politically correct
adjective
Saying or doing things that will not upset or offend people, especially those who are at a disadvantage in some way.
They've been told to use politically correct language in their presentations.
Often appears as...
- politically correct speech
- politically correct language
Usage tips
Approving
adjective
Avoiding behavior or language that could be offensive to a particular group of people.
In an attempt to be politically correct, the school removed gender-specific pronouns from its handbook.
Often appears as...
- politically correct environment
- politically correct behaviour
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Used to criticize or mock overly sensitive or progressive attitudes that focus on avoiding offense to particular group of people.
He made a politically correct joke about the bureaucracy.
Often appears as...
- politically correct humor
- politically correct satire
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
adjective
Saying or doing things that will not upset or offend people, especially those who are at a disadvantage in some way.
They've been told to use politically correct language in their presentations.
Often appears as...
- politically correct speech
- politically correct language
Usage tips
Approving
adjective
Avoiding behavior or language that could be offensive to a particular group of people.
In an attempt to be politically correct, the school removed gender-specific pronouns from its handbook.
Often appears as...
- politically correct environment
- politically correct behaviour
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Used to criticize or mock overly sensitive or progressive attitudes that focus on avoiding offense to particular group of people.
He made a politically correct joke about the bureaucracy.
Often appears as...
- politically correct humor
- politically correct satire
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Positive Connotation
'Politically correct' can have a positive meaning, showing effort to promote fairness and avoid offense.
Using 'firefighter' instead of 'fireman' is more politically correct.
Pro Tip 2/3Misunderstanding Avoidance
Understand and respect the culture before using politically correct language to avoid misusing terms.
He studied local customs to make his speech politically correct.
Pro Tip 3/3Evolving Usage
The idea of what is politically correct can change over time, stay informed with current standards.
She updated the company's guidelines to align with modern politically correct standards.
Pro Tip 1/3Positive Connotation
'Politically correct' can have a positive meaning, showing effort to promote fairness and avoid offense.
Using 'firefighter' instead of 'fireman' is more politically correct.
Pro Tip 2/3Misunderstanding Avoidance
Understand and respect the culture before using politically correct language to avoid misusing terms.
He studied local customs to make his speech politically correct.
Pro Tip 3/3Evolving Usage
The idea of what is politically correct can change over time, stay informed with current standards.
She updated the company's guidelines to align with modern politically correct standards.
Pro Tip 1/3Positive Connotation
'Politically correct' can have a positive meaning, showing effort to promote fairness and avoid offense.
Using 'firefighter' instead of 'fireman' is more politically correct.
Pro Tip 2/3Misunderstanding Avoidance
Understand and respect the culture before using politically correct language to avoid misusing terms.
He studied local customs to make his speech politically correct.
Pro Tip 3/3Evolving Usage
The idea of what is politically correct can change over time, stay informed with current standards.
She updated the company's guidelines to align with modern politically correct standards.
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