politically correct
1
(of people, their words, or behavior) not offensive to people of different races, ethnicities, genders, etc.
The idiom "politically correct" emerged in the mid-20th century and gained popularity in the 1980s. It originally referred to language or actions that were perceived as sensitive to various social, cultural, and political concerns. Politically correct language and behavior aimed to avoid marginalizing or offending certain groups or individuals, particularly those who had historically been disadvantaged or discriminated against. Over time, the phrase "politically correct" has been both positively embraced for promoting diversity and criticized for being overly cautious or restrictive in speech and behavior.
- He was an interesting speaker, if not always politically correct in his views.
- It is no longer politically correct to refer to the educationally subnormal.
- Many people think that "fireman" is a sexist term, and prefer the politically correct term "firefighter".
- Some very politically correct parents won’t let their children play with toy guns.
- Using gender-neutral language is considered politically correct to promote inclusivity.