Did you know that some of the most common phrases you use every day have deeply racist origins? This isn’t just about being “politically correct”—it’s about understanding the history behind our words and striving for more inclusive language. How many of these phrases have you unknowingly used, and what can we do to change this?
Language evolves over time, but the origins of certain phrases can carry significant weight. Here are 20 phrases with racist roots that you might not be aware of:
1. Sold Down the River
Meaning betrayed or cheated, this phrase originally referred to enslaved people being sold down the Mississippi River to harsher conditions on plantations in the Deep South. Think about that the next time you use it casually.
2. No Can Do
Indicating an inability to do something, this phrase mocks the broken English of Chinese immigrants in the 19th century. Is that really the kind of humor we want to propagate?
3. Long Time No See
Similar to “No can do,” this phrase mimics the speech patterns of Native Americans or Chinese immigrants, reducing their languages to stereotypes. Are we really okay with that?
4. Eenie Meenie Miney Moe
The original version of this children’s rhyme included a racial slur and was used to demean Black people. Using it today without knowing its origins can perpetuate that hurt.
5. Master Bedroom
This term is linked to the era of slavery in the United States, referring to the room where the master of the house would sleep. It’s a stark reminder of a painful past.
6. Uppity
This word, meaning arrogant or self-important, was used by white people in the South to describe Black people who didn’t know their “place.” Consider that the next time you label someone “uppity.”
7. Grandfather Clause
Originally, this term was used to describe laws that allowed white voters to bypass literacy tests and other barriers that disenfranchised Black voters, as long as their ancestors had the right to vote before the Civil War. It’s a term rooted in racial exclusion.
8. Hip Hip Hooray
While commonly used to express joy, this chant has a dark history in Europe, where it was used as a rallying cry during anti-Semitic pogroms. Is it worth celebrating with such a tainted phrase?
9. Paddy Wagon
This term, used for police vans, is derived from “Paddy,” a derogatory term for Irish people, reflecting the stereotype of Irish individuals as criminals. Let’s move beyond such outdated labels.
10. Hooligan
This word, meaning a troublemaker, has roots in anti-Irish sentiment and was used to stereotype Irish immigrants as rowdy and violent. Using it today continues to echo those prejudices.
11. Cakewalk
Originally referring to a dance performed by enslaved Black people to mock their owners, the term evolved into meaning something easily accomplished, ignoring its demeaning origins. Is that a history we want to forget?
12. Lynch Mob
The term “lynch mob” refers to a group intent on extrajudicial justice, often associated with the lynching of Black people in the United States. It’s a violent and racially charged term that shouldn’t be used lightly.
13. Indian Giver
This term, meaning someone who gives a gift and then wants it back, perpetuates negative stereotypes about Native Americans and their supposed untrustworthiness. Let’s be more respectful of Native American cultures.
14. Eskimo
Now considered derogatory, “Eskimo” was used by colonizers to describe Inuit and Yupik people, and it is not the name they use for themselves. We should use the names that people choose for themselves.
15. Squaw
This term, historically used to refer to Native American women, is now recognized as offensive and degrading. It’s time we stop using it.
16. Yellow-Bellied
Meaning cowardly, this term has racist connotations linking it to the offensive depiction of Asians with yellow skin. Let’s find other ways to describe cowardice.
17. Shuck and Jive
Originally referring to deceptive behavior, this phrase comes from African American vernacular and was used to describe the behavior enslaved people used to appease their owners. It’s a term that trivializes their experiences.
18. Race Card
The term “playing the race card” is used to accuse someone of bringing up race to gain an advantage or excuse. It dismisses legitimate concerns about racism and is often used to silence discussions about racial issues. Are we really listening to each other?
19. Spirit Animal
This term, often used to describe something or someone one feels a deep connection with, appropriates Native American spiritual practices and reduces them to a trendy catchphrase. Let’s respect cultural significance.
20. Ghetto
Originally used to describe areas where Jewish people were forced to live, “ghetto” has evolved into a derogatory term to describe poor, predominantly Black neighborhoods. It perpetuates negative stereotypes about the people living in these areas. Let’s be mindful of the impact of our words.
Reflecting on Language
These phrases highlight how deeply racism can be embedded in our everyday language. How many of these phrases did you know about, and what steps can we take to replace them with more positive language?
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Motortion Films.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
