politically correct
marked by or adhering to a typically progressive orthodoxy on issues involving especially ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ecology: The actor’s comment about unattractive women was not politically correct.The CEO feels that people who care about being politically correct are overly sensitive.Abbreviations: PC, P.C.
Origin of politically correct
1word story For politically correct
Somewhat grimly, in the 1920s the Soviet Communist Party began using the concept of political correctness to enforce strict adherence to the party line in all aspects of life. It you were unfortunate enough to be deemed politically incorrect , you were likely to be exiled to a gulag, or worse.
Today the term politically correct (and its abbreviation PC ), more often than not, refers specifically to the language that surrounds controversial or hot-button issues. Liberals have used the negative construction not politically correct to draw attention to words, phrases, or statements that they felt were socially unacceptable or insensitive. The conservative response to this has been to question and generally reject the notion of political correctness , arguing that it too often entails “the policing of language.” As a result, critics of the term politically correct often use it to modify nouns such as “euphemism,” “nonsense,” “hogwash,” and “propaganda.”
Other words from politically correct
- political correctness, noun
Words Nearby politically correct
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use politically correct in a sentence
They think of us as characters on Netflix or a group that politically correct people advocate for.
When You Can’t Get Lost in Seoul Nightlife, ‘Love in the Big City’ Is the Next Best Thing | Hannah Bae | December 9, 2021 | EaterThese aren’t politically correct views, but they’re not unique to cops and medics.
What you think you know about poverty is probably wrong | Rosa Brooks | March 19, 2021 | Washington PostBut Free to Be wasn't politically-correct in an annoyingly preachy way.
"It's not politically correct," the former Arkansas governor and 2008 Republican candidate for President acknowledged.
Would the Health Ministry really approve life-endangering directives just to appear politically correct?
Why Is Israel’s Red Cross Rejecting Ethiopian Blood? | Sigal Samuel | December 13, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
As far as city living goes, Stockholm is so damned politically correct, and so damned easy.
The politically correct company goes to great lengths to reduce its carbon footprint and support other liberal causes.
Google Hosts Fundraiser for Climate-Change-Denying Sen. James Inhofe | William O’Connor | July 10, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTFuture actions and measures may likely reflect "politically correct" alternatives.
Shock and Awe | Harlan K. Ullman
British Dictionary definitions for politically correct
demonstrating progressive ideals, esp by avoiding vocabulary that is considered offensive, discriminatory, or judgmental, esp concerning race and gender: Abbreviation: PC
Derived forms of politically correct
- political correctness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with politically correct
Also, PC or p.c. Showing an effort to make broad social and political changes to redress injustices caused by prejudice. It often involves changing or avoiding language that might offend anyone, especially with respect to gender, race, or ethnic background. For example, Editors of major papers have sent out numerous directives concerning politically correct language. This expression was born in the late 1900s, and excesses in trying to conform to its philosophy gave rise to humorous parodies.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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