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List of Offensive Words That Should be Avoided
...The following is a checklist of words, many objectionable,
that we must be aware of in order to avoid offending and
perpetuating stereotypes. This guide defines the preferred word
usage and clarifies words that may be used as substitutes.
Derogatory or objectionable terms also are listed and are cross-
referenced to preferred word usage.
Offensive words should be avoided. When their use is unavoidable
--- as in direct quote --- there should be sufficient context so
the reader is never in doubt as to why the language was used.
Many of the words in this list will offend. The list is not
intended to be a guide for the bigot but to alert us that certain
words and phrases are simply unacceptable. The list is but a
starting point. As social attitudes change and definitions are
refined the list must be updated.
African:
Refers to people or language of a continent, not a country. Of or
pertaining to Africa or its people or languages. Do not use as a
synonym for black.
African-American:
Also used for black. Preferred by some, but not universally
accepted. May be objectionable to those persons preferring black.
Amazon:
Used to characterize women as predators of men. Also refers to
size. Should be avoided.
American Indian:
Interchangeable wit Native American. Ask person to determine
usage if possible. Use proper tribal name if possible. Such words
as "wampum," "warpath," "powwow," "tepee," "brave," "squaw," etc.
can be disparaging and offensive. Avoid them.
Anglo:
Used interchangeably wit white in parts of the country, in others
white is preferred. Always capitalized. No hyphen when the word
that follows os in lowercase, such as Anglomania, Anglophile, or
Anglophobe. Use a hyphen when the word that follows is capitalized:
Anglo-American, Anglo-Catholic, Anglo-Indian, or Anglo-Saxon.
Arabs:
Not interchangeable with Arab-American. Also, Iranians are not
Arabs.
Articulate:
Can be considered offensive when referring to a minority,
particularly a black person, and his or her ability to handle the
English language. The usage suggests the "those people" are not
considered well-educated, articulate, and the like.
Asian-American:
The preferred generic term for Americans of Asian descent. Be
specific when referring to particular Asian-American groups, i.e.
Filipino-Americans, Japanese-Americans, and Chinese-Americans.
Asian:
Not interchangeable with Asian-American. Refers specifically to
things or people from Asia. Some Asians regard "Asiatic" as
offensive when applied to people.
Babe:
Offensive slang describing a woman. See "Woman."
Ball and chain:
This offensive phrase refers sarcastically to a man's loss of
freedom because of a woman. Do not use. See "Woman."
Banana:
An offensive term referring to Asian-Americans who allegedly have
abandoned their culture. Objectionable because no person or group
can appropriately attach judgmental terms to others. Just as
objectionable: Coconut for Mexican-Americans and Oreo for black
Americans.
Bandido:
Use advisedly. A Mexican bandit, but often applied derisively.
Barracuda:
A negative generalization of persons without morals and/or
ethical standards of judgment. Many times directed at forceful
women. Do not use.
Bastard:
Do not use. Also do not use illegitimate.
Beefcake:
Objectionable when referring to male physical attractiveness.
Bible-beater, -thumper, -whacker:
Unacceptable terms used to describe evangelical Christians.
Acceptable terms are fundamentalist or born-again Christians.
Bimbo:
Highly offensive term referring to women. Do not use. See
"Woman."
Bisexual:
Term describing a person sexually attracted to members of both
sexes. Use carefully and only when pertinent.
Black:
An adjective. Do not use as a noun.
Black:
Refers to Americans of African descent. African-American or black
are also being used. Do not use "colored" as a synonym. See
"colored" entry.
Boy:
Insulting when applied to adult males, especially minorities.
Brave:
See "American-Indian."
Broad:
Highly offensive term referring to women. Do not use. See
"Woman."
Buck:
Derogatory word describing a black or American-Indian male. Do
not use. See "American-Indian" and "Black."
Buxom:
Offensive reference to a woman's chest. Do not use. See "Woman."
Canuck:
A derisive term for Canadians.
Caucasian:
Defines a race of people rather than a specific ethnic group or
nationality. For instance, Mexican-Americans are Caucasian. Always
capitalized.
Charlie:
A term popularized in the Vietnam War by U.S. soldiers,
derisively referring to Vietnamese. Objectionable, do not use.
Cheesecake:
Objectionable when referring to female physical attractiveness.
Chicano:
A term popular in the '60's and '70's to refer to Mexican-
Americans. Could be offensive to older Mexican-Americans.
Chick:
Flip term referring to a woman. See "Woman."
Chief:
Offensive when used generically to describe an American Indian.
Should be used only when the title is applicable.
Chinaman:
Unacceptable racial epithet for Asian-Americans or Chinese
person.
Chink:
Unacceptable racial epithet for Asian-Americans or Chinese
person.
Coconut:
An offensive term referring to Mexican-Americans who allegedly
have abandoned their culture. Objectionable because no person or
group can appropriately attach judgmental terms to others. Just as
objectionable: Banana for Asian-Americans and Oreo for black
Americans.
Codger:
Offensive reference to a senior citizen. See "Senior Citizen."
Colored:
In some societies, including the United States, the word is
considered derogatory and should not be used. Exception: when used
as part of a title, as in the National Association for Colored
People. In some African countries, it is used to denote individuals
of mixed racial ancestry. Whenever the word is used, place it in
quotation marks and provide an explanation of its meaning.
Coolies:
Refers specifically to Chinese laborers in the 19th century
United States. Objectionable then, objectionable now.
Coon:
Highly objectionable reference to black people. Do not use.
Coot:
Offensive reference to a senior citizen. See "Senior Citizen."
Cracker:
Offensive term used to refer to some whites.
Credit to his/her race:
An objectionable phrase when used with a minority identifier. Do
not use.
Crip(s):
Derogatory term for a person who has a physical disability. Do
not use. See "Handicapped/Disabled."
Dago:
Highly offensive to Italians. Do not use.
Deaf and dumb:
Deaf people are not dumb. Preferred terms are deaf or hearing
impaired and speech impaired.
Dingbat:
Objectionable term that describes women as intellectually
inferior. Do not use.
Ditz:
Objectionable term meaning stupid. Do not use.
Dizzy:
Avoid as an adjective for women.
Don Juan:
See "Male Myth."
Dragon Lady:
A stereotypical and highly objectionable characterization of
Asian women depicting them as scheming and treacherous.
Dutch treat:
To share the cost, as in a date. Implies that Dutch people are
cheap.
Dyke:
Offensive term for lesbian. See "Homosexual."
Faggot:
Offensive term for gay. See "Homosexual."
Fairy:
Highly offensive term for homosexual. Do not use.
Feather brain:
Objectionable reference to women. Should be avoided.
Female:
Do not use instead of woman (the noun). Do not use woman as an
adjective in phrases such as a "woman firefighter," use "female
firefighter." Do not identify by gender unless it is pertinent.
Feminine:
Can be objectionable to some women. See "Woman."
Flip:
A derogatory term of Filipinos or Filipino-Americans. Should be
avoided. Use proper description: Filipino or Filipino-American.
Foxy:
Offensive description of a woman's physical appearance. Avoid.
See "Woman."
Fragile:
Adjective describing a woman's physical attributes. Use carefully
when pertinent.
Fried chicken:
A loaded phrase when used carelessly and as a stereotype
referring to the cuisine of black people. Also applies to
watermelon.
Frigid:
Derisive when carelessly used to sterotype or characterize women,
usually applied to women viewed by men as aloof or distant.
Frito Bandito:
Frito-Lay trademark. Offensive to people of Latin descent. See
"Bandito."
Fruit:
Unacceptable term used to describe homosexuals.
Gabacho:
A derogatory Spanish term applied to whites.
Gaijin:
An exclusionary Japanese term referring to foreigners.
Gal:
Should never be used to describe women. See "Women."
Gay:
Refers only to homosexual men. See "Homosexual."
Geisha:
A young Japanese woman trained to provide entertainment,
especially for men. Offensively stereotypical when used as a blank
term or caricature.
Gender enders:
Avoid these. For instance: actress, comedienne, executress,
heroine, poetress, and starlet. Instead use gender-neutral terms
such as actor, comedian, executor, hero, poet, and star.
Ghetto:
Avoid use. Has become a stereotype for a poor minority community.
Ghetto blaster:
A large portable stereo popular with all youth. Offensive because
it is culture specific and stereotypical. Use portable stereo or
boom box.
Girl:
See "Woman."
Gook:
Unacceptable term for Vietnamese and other Asian-Americans.
Greaser:
A term used in the '50s for those with a specific hairstyle and
dress. Derogatory when applied to Hispanics.
Guido:
An Italian first name offensive when used to denote membership in
the Mafia. Also used as a description of street punks.
Gyp:
An offensive term meaning to cheat, derived from gypsy.
Handicapped/Disabled:
Because a disabling condition may or may not be handicapping, use
the word disabled rather than handicapped. Refrain from using
disabled as a noun. Do not use crippled, crip, or invalid. Use
"people with disabilities" or check with individual.
Harem:
Derisive when used to describe a gathering of women.
Harelip:
Offensive reference to persons with cleft palate syndrome.
Heap big:
Stereotypical phrase denoting size. Offensive to American
Indians. See "American Indian."
High yellow:
Objectionable when referring to lighter-colored black persons.
Avoid any description of skin color or degrees of color. Also avoid
mulatto and half-breed.
Hillbilly:
Offensive term applied to people generally from Appalachia or the
deep South. Do not use.
Hispanic:
A term referring generally to those with Latin American or
Spanish roots. Not necessarily interchangeable with Latino,
Mexican-American or other references to specific Hispanic groups.
Ask people or groups which term they prefer.
Holy rollers:
An unacceptable term used to describe evangelical Christians. See
"Bible-beater."
Homosexuals:
The preferred term for people attracted to members of the same
sex. Gay refers only to homosexual men; lesbian refers only to
homosexual women. Derisive terms such as dyke, fruit, fairy, or
queer are highly objectionable.
Honey:
Along with dear and sweetie, highly objectionable when used for
women.
Hot-blooded Latin:
A derisive term that stereotypes Latinos as hot-tempered and
violent.
Housewife:
Preferred term is homemaker.
Hunk:
See "Male myth."
Hymie:
A derogatory term for those of the Jewish faith. Avoid this and
any other derogatory term for Jews.
Illegal Alien:
Often used to refer to Mexicans and Latin Americans believed to
be in the United States without visas; the preferred term is
undocumented worker or undocumented resident.
Impotent:
A clinical term referring to male sexual dysfunction. Not proper
when used to stereotype or characterize males.
Indian:
American Indian preferred unless specifically referring to
residents or natives of India. See "American Indian."
Indian giver:
Refers to one who reneges or takes something back once given.
Highly objectionable.
Indochina:
Formerly French Indochina, now divided into Cambodia, Laos, and
Vietnam. Use "Southeast Asia."
Injun:
A derisive term for American Indian.
Inscrutable:
An adjective often carelessly applied to Asian-Americans. Avoid
all terms that stereotype entire groups.
Invalid:
See "Handicapped/Disabled."
Jap:
Derogatory term. Do not use to describe a Japanese person or a
Japanese-American.
JAP:
Jewish American Princess, a stereotype-perpetuating acronym for
a young Jewish woman. Do not use.
Jew:
Refers to people of the Jewish faith. Some people find use of Jew
alone offensive and prefer Jewish person. Not a synonym for stingy.
Always used as a noun, never a verb.
Jew boy:
Highly offensive to male Jews of all ages. Do not use.
Jew down:
The act of negotiating a lower price for services or goods. An
offensive and stereotypical phrase. Do not use.
Jive:
Derisively applied to black slang or speech.
Jock:
A term applied to both men and women who participate in sports.
Can be offensive to some.
Johns:
Men who frequent prostitutes, but not a proper generic term for
men or bathrooms.
Joto:
A derisive Spanish name for homosexual. Avoid use.
Julio:
A first name inappropriately applied to an entire group
(Mexicans). Also, Chico and Pancho.
Kunta:
Refers to Kunta Kinte, a character in Alex Haley's book, "Roots."
Derogatory as a blanket characterization of black males.
Lady:
Avoid using this in place of "woman" unless you intend shadings
of meanings that describe someone who is elegant, "refined", and
conscious of propriety and correct behavior. In most contexts this
word is condescending. It also often serves to trivialize.
Latin lover:
A stereotype referring to Latin sexual prowess. Avoid use.
Latino:
Refers specifically to those of Latin American ancestry.
Lazy:
Use advisedly, especially when describing non-whites. Can be
objectionable.
Leader:
Use with caution. Be more specific. Black politician, black
activist, implies person has approval of an entire group of people.
Leroy:
A first name sometimes carelessly used to refer to all black
males. Insulting.
Lesbian:
The preferred term for homosexual women. See "Homosexual."
Lily-white:
Any characterization of skin color should be avoided. Same with
paleface, redskin.
Limp-wristed:
Descriptive term for homosexual. Avoid any such description.
Little woman:
Offensive reference to a woman. Do not use. See "Woman."
Low riders:
Offensive reference to Hispanics. Do not use.
Mafia, Mafiosi:
A secret society of criminals and its members. Do not use as a
synonym for "organized crime" or the "underworld."
Male myth:
Avoid or use with caution terms or words that contribute toward
exaggerated male sexuality. For instance: stallion, stud, hunk, Don
Juan, womanizer, or lady killer.
Mammy:
An antiquated term from the Old South, referring to older black
women. Highly objectionable.
Man:
May be used when both men and women are involved and a more
clearly defined term is not available. Frequently the best choice
is a substitute, such as "humanity," "a person," or "an
individual."
Man, The:
A reference to the establishment, mainly white. Could be
offensive.
Maricon:
A derisive Spanish term for homosexual. Do not use.
Matronly:
Could be offensive as a reference to a senior citizen. See
"Senior Citizen."
Mexican:
From or of Mexico, not a substitute for Mexican-American.
Mexican-American:
The preferred term for Americans of Mexican origin.
"The Myth":
Avoid any word, description, or phrase that contributes to the
stereotype of black males as strictly athletic, well-proportioned
or having high sexual drives and exaggerated sex organs.
Native American:
Synonym for American Indian, check with subject for preference.
See "American Indian."
Negress:
An antiquated term for a black woman. Now objectionable.
Negro:
Archaic. Use black, Black, or African-American. Check for
preferred local usage.
Nigger:
Highly offensive term for black people. Use only in direct quotes
when essential.
Nip:
A derogatory term for a Japanese or Japanese-American person.
Okie:
Derogatory slang for whites.
Old buzzard:
Derogatory term applied to senior citizens. Do not use. See
"Senior Citizens."
Old maid:
Archaic term referring to an unmarried woman. Stereotypical, do
not use.
Old Timer:
Objective term for senior citizens. Avoid use. See "Senior
Citizens."
Oreo:
An offensive term referring to a black person who has allegedly
abandoned his/her culture. See "Black."
Oriental:
Unacceptable to some Asian-Americans. Use Asian-American or
Asian(s), the specific term.
Paleface:
Objectionable term generally used when whites are described by
American Indians. Do not use. See "American Indian."
Pancho:
A first name inappropriately applied to an entire group,
Mexicans. Also Julio or Chico.
Peg leg:
Use prosthesis or artificial. Also avoid hook.
Peon:
A Latin American peasant, sometimes derisively applied to entire
groups of Hispanics or others. Avoid.
Pert:
An adjective describing a female characteristic. Avoid usage. See
"Woman."
Petite:
Reference to a woman's body size. Can be offensive, use
carefully. See "Woman."
Pickaninny:
Unacceptable, offensive term for black child.
Pimp:
As a stereotype or characterization of black men, highly
objectionable.
Pop:
Offensive when used as a reference to a senior citizen. See
"Senior Citizen."
Powwow:
See "American Indian."
PR:
An acronym for Puerto Rican. Do not use.
Project:
As in public housing project, has come to denote race. Use public
housing development or subsidized housing.
Proper names:
Do not make word plays on people's given names. See "Ivan,"
"Johns," "Pancho," "Chico," and "Julio."
Qualified minorities:
Do not use in reference to affirmative action. Unnecessary
description that indicates that minorities are generally
unqualified.
Queer:
Highly offensive term when used to describe a homosexual person.
See "Homosexual."
Redneck:
Offensive term describing some white people. Do not use.
Redskin:
Objectionable description of an American Indian. Avoid any
reference to skin color or shade. See "American Indian."
Refugee:
Do not use for people who are already settled in the United
States and no longer have refugee status. Use this term to describe
people who flee to find refuge from oppression or persecution while
they have refugee status.
Retarded:
An adjective meaning slow or backward in mental or emotional
development. Refer to specific medical condition. Do not use
retard, stupid, or ignorant.
Rubbing noses:
Allegedly and Eskimo kiss. However, Eskimos don't rub noses and
object to the characterization. Do not use.
Russian:
Soviet is preferred. The term Russian should refer only to those
who are from the Soviet Republic of Russia or the language spoken
in that region.
Samurai:
As a term or caricature, can be offensively stereotypical. Avoid
unless referring specifically to the historical Japanese warrior
class.
Savages:
Offensive when carelessly applied to American Indians or other
native cultures. Also avoid heathen when used in the same context.
See "American Indian."
Senile:
Use carefully, can be offensive to senior citizens if used as a
generalization. Applies only to the mental and/or physical
deteriorization of old age. See "Senior Citizens."
Senior Citizens:
Do not use for anyone under 65. In general, avoid ageism by
giving ages where relevant. Do not describe people as elderly,
senile, matronly, or well-preserved. Also, do not identify people
as grandparents unless it is relevant. Do not use dirty old man,
codger, coot, geezer, silver fox, old-timers, Pop, old buzzard.
Blue-haired is objectionable when used to characterize older
people.
Shiftless:
As a description for blacks, highly offensive.
Shine:
An objectionable reference to a black person. Do not use.
Shrew:
Often applied derogatorily to women who compete with men in the
workplace or with behavior seen as nagging or nasty. Do not use.
See "Woman."
Siesta:
A Latin tradition of a midday nap. Use advisedly, do not use to
denote laziness.
Silver fox:
Objectionable term referring to senior citizens. See "Senior
Citizens."
Skirt:
Offensive slang referring to a woman or a girl. See "Woman."
Some of my best friends:
A hackneyed phrase used usually by someone just accused of racial
bias. As in, "Some of my best friends are Hispanic."
Soulful:
Can be an objectionable adjective when applied strictly to
blacks. Another potentially objectionable adjective: articulate.
Spade:
A garden tool or card suit. Be careful of usage. Highly insulting
when referring to blacks, a popular pejorative years ago.
Spanish:
A language, or something or someone, from Spain. Not
interchangeable with Mexican, Latino, or Hispanic.
Spastic:
Avoid as an adjective when describing those with muscular
dysfunction, tics, or jerky physical movements. Also unacceptable:
spaz.
Sped eds or Spec eds:
Offensive language for children in special education classes. Do
not use.
Spic:
Unacceptable term for Hispanic. Use correct nationality.
Squaw:
Offensive term for an American Indian woman. See "American
Indian."
Stallion:
See "Male myth."
Statuesque:
Can be an offensive reference to a woman's posture and composure.
See "Woman."
Stud:
See "Male myth."
Stunning:
Avoid physical descriptions. See "Woman."
Swarthy:
Refers to darkened skin color. Avoid all unnecessary reference to
skin color, such as yellow. Other objectionable terms are paleface,
redskin, and lily-white.
Sweet young thing:
A highly objectionable phrase. Do not use any term that reduces
women to sex objects.
Sweetie:
Objectionable term of endearment. Do not use. See "Honey."
Tepee:
See "American Indian."
"Those people":
A phrase used by one group to refer to an outside group.
Objectionable. See "You people."
Timber nigger:
Highly offensive language used by sporting enthusiasts and those
in the tourist industry to describe American Indians involved in
the fishing/hunting rights debate. See "American Indian."
Token:
Use advisedly. Refers to someone hired solely because of race,
ethnicity, or gender. Implies that the person was not qualified for
the job.
Tonto:
The Lone Ranger's loyal companion. An unacceptable
characterization of American Indians.
Ugh:
A guttural sound used to mimic some American Indian speech.
Highly offensive. See "American Indian."
Uncle Tom:
Refers to a black person who allegedly has abandoned his/her
culture. Objectionable because no person or group can appropriately
attach judgmental terms to others. Just as objectionable: Banana
when referring to Asian-Americans who have allegedly abandoned
their culture, Coconut for Mexican-Americans, and Oreo for black
Americans.
Vegetable:
Never use as a noun to describe someone in a comatose state or a
person incapable of caring for himself/herself. See
"Handicapped/Disabled."
Wampum:
See "American Indian."
Wannabe:
Refers to those who mimic a style or behavior of another group or
want to be a member of another group. Use advisedly. For instance,
a person dressed in red or blue isn't necessarily a wannabe Blood
or Crip member. Nor is the person necessarily a gang member. Also
use the term gang member advisedly for the same reasons.
WASP:
An acronym for White Anglo-Saxon Protestant. May be offensive to
some. See "Anglo."
Warpath:
See "American Indian."
Watermelon:
See "Fried Chicken."
Well-preserved:
An offensive phrase applied to senior citizens. Avoid usage. See
"Senior Citizens."
Wench:
A derogatory term for a woman. See "Woman."
Wetbacks:
A derisive term for undocumented workers, specifically Hispanic.
Wheelchair:
Preferred term is "uses a wheelchair." Do not use wheelchair-
bound or confined to a wheelchair.
White bread:
A term denoting blandness. Could have a racial connotation.
White trash:
A derogatory term directed at whites, especially poor whites.
Whore:
Derogatory, along with trollop, tart, loose woman, and hussy.
Wild Indian:
Denoting unruly behavior. Offensive to American Indians.
Wimp:
Derogatory term. Can refer to either a man or a woman. Offensive.
Without rhythm:
A stereotype about whites. Implies others have rhythm, also a
stereotype.
Woman:
The preferred term for a female adult. Girl is appropriate for
those 17 years old and under. Avoid gal and lady. Also avoid
derogatory terms for women, such as skirt, broad, chick, bimbo,
bumbo, babe, ball and chain, little woman, featherhead, and feather
brain. Also, avoid adjectives describing female physical attributes
or mannerisms such as pert, petite, foxy, buxom, fragile, feminine,
stunning, gorgeous, statuesque, or full-figured.
Wop:
Highly offensive to Italians. Do not use.
Yanqui:
Spanish reference to North Americans. Also, gringo.
Yellow:
Offensive term when referring to skin color. Also, derogatory
slang meaning coward. Avoid usage.
Yellow peril:
A term used in the 19th century and early 20th century United
States to elicit fear of Chinese or Asian immigration.
"You people":
Along with "those people," this phrase is used by one group to
refer to an outside group. Objectionable. Do not use.
--- from September & October 1991 issues of
Campus Report from Accuracy in Academia.
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