microaggression

[ mahy-kroh-uh-gresh-uhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a subtle but offensive comment or action directed at a member of a marginalized group, especially a racial minority, that is often unintentionally offensive or unconsciously reinforces a stereotype:
microaggressions such as "I don't see you as Black."
the act of discriminating against a marginalized group by means of such comments or actions:
The diversity committee discussed the issue of microaggression toward women on campus.

First recorded in 1970; coined by psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce (1927–2016); micro- + aggression

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