1. Indian (when used to describe Native Americans)
The term “Indian” to describe Indigenous peoples in the Americas is based on a historical mistake: when Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World, he mistakenly believed he had reached India, hence the name “Indian.” While the word became widespread over time, it is a misnomer that erases the vast diversity of Indigenous peoples and cultures across North and South America. The term “Indian” fails to acknowledge that there are hundreds of distinct Indigenous nations, each with its own unique language, traditions, and customs.
Although the word is still used in some contexts, like the term “Indian reservations,” the preferred terminology has shifted toward more accurate and respectful language. “Native American,” “Indigenous,” or specific tribal names are now more appropriate and widely accepted. Many Native American individuals and communities find the term offensive, as it generalizes and flattens their complex identities. It’s essential to recognize and respect the identities and names that Indigenous peoples themselves use to describe their heritage.
2. Oriental
For decades, “Oriental” was used to describe people, objects, and cultures from East Asia, but it’s now considered outdated and offensive. The main issue is that it lumps together diverse Asian identities into a single, exoticized category. It also has colonialist undertones, as it was often used by Westerners to describe “the mysterious East” in a way that ignored the complexity of Asian societies. The word comes from the Latin oriens, meaning “east,” but it was used in ways that implied Asia was strange, foreign, and fundamentally different from the West.
In 2016, President Obama signed a bill officially removing “Oriental” from federal laws, replacing it with terms like “Asian American.” Many Asian Americans find the word dehumanizing, as it’s often used to refer to inanimate objects like rugs rather than people. The preferred terminology is “Asian” or a more specific ethnic identity, such as “Japanese American” or “Filipino.” While some older generations still use “Oriental” without malice, it’s generally seen as a relic of a less culturally sensitive time.
3. Gypsy
For a long time, “gypsy” was used casually to refer to a wandering lifestyle or a free spirit, but it’s actually a racial slur against the Romani people. The term originated from the mistaken belief that the Roma were from Egypt, when in fact they have roots in northern India. Throughout history, the Romani have faced severe discrimination, including forced expulsions, enslavement, and even genocide during the Holocaust. Because of this painful history, many Romani activists have worked to raise awareness about the offensive nature of the term.
Beyond its racial implications, “gypsy” is also used negatively to mean “cheater” or “scammer,” reinforcing harmful stereotypes. The phrase “gypped,” meaning “cheated,” also comes from this word and is similarly offensive. Today, many organizations and businesses are dropping “gypsy” from their names, and the preferred term is simply “Romani” or “Roma.” While some non-Romani people still use the word in a romanticized sense, its history makes it problematic.
4. Eskimo
For decades, “Eskimo” was the standard term for Indigenous Arctic peoples, but it’s now considered offensive because it was imposed by outsiders. The exact origins of the word are debated, but some believe it comes from an Algonquian term meaning “eater of raw meat,” which carries a negative connotation. More importantly, it’s a catch-all term that ignores the distinct cultures and languages of the Inuit and Yupik peoples.
Today, “Inuit” is the preferred term in Canada and Greenland, while “Yupik” is used in parts of Alaska and Siberia. The U.S. government still uses “Eskimo” in some contexts, such as the “Eskimo–Aleut” language family, but many Indigenous groups reject it. Because of this shift, companies and sports teams that once used the word have moved away from it, recognizing that it does not honor the people it describes.
5. Colored
For much of American history, “colored” was the standard term for Black Americans, appearing in everything from legal documents to the name of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). In the early 20th century, it was widely used as a descriptor, especially during the Jim Crow era when segregation laws enforced racial divisions. However, as the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, the term fell out of favor because it was associated with an era of racial discrimination and second-class citizenship.
Today, “Black” or “African American” are the preferred terms, depending on personal preference. The shift away from “colored” reflects a broader movement toward language that acknowledges dignity and equality rather than reinforcing outdated racial hierarchies. While some older institutions, like the NAACP, have kept the term in their names for historical reasons, using it in everyday conversation is generally considered offensive. Even well-intentioned people can come across as out of touch when they use it, so it’s best to stick with modern, respectful terminology.
6. Cripple
For centuries, “cripple” was the standard word for someone with a disability, but it has since become offensive because it defines people by their physical condition. The word implies helplessness and is often used in a derogatory way. Historically, it was used to segregate and institutionalize people with disabilities, reinforcing stigma and exclusion.
Today, the preferred language is “person with a disability” or more specific terms like “wheelchair user.” Some disability activists have reclaimed “crip” as an empowering term, but that’s an internal discussion within the community. For those outside of it, using person-first language is considered more respectful.
7. Spastic
In the past, “spastic” was commonly used in medical contexts to describe muscle conditions, particularly in people with cerebral palsy. However, in the 20th century, it took on a mocking tone, often used to insult people who were clumsy or socially awkward. This shift made it offensive, particularly in the UK, where the word became a playground insult.
Because of its negative use, disability rights groups have pushed back against it, and most medical professionals now use “spasticity” instead of “spastic.” While it might still appear in older medical literature, it’s generally avoided in everyday speech.
8. Lame
Once a neutral term for physical disability, “lame” has evolved into slang for something uncool or inferior. The problem is that using it in this way reinforces the idea that disability equals weakness or lack of value. This shift in meaning has made it offensive to some in the disability community, even though many people still use it casually without thinking about its origins.
More inclusive alternatives include words like “boring” or “uninspired.” While “lame” isn’t always meant as an insult, its connection to disability makes it problematic. As awareness grows, people are finding less harmful ways to express the same idea.
9. Handicapped
For many years, “handicapped” was the accepted term for individuals with physical disabilities, but it has since been replaced due to its negative and limiting connotations. The word suggests that people with disabilities are somehow “less than” or burdened in a way that requires charity or pity. The term was often used to define spaces, like “handicapped parking,” but it doesn’t capture the autonomy and agency of people with disabilities.
The preferred terms today are “person with a disability” or simply “disabled person,” focusing on the individual rather than their condition. In many communities, people with disabilities advocate for using more specific descriptions, like “wheelchair user” or “deaf” or “blind.” The shift away from “handicapped” is part of a broader movement to recognize disability rights and dignity.
10. Hysterical
In the past, “hysterical” was commonly used to describe women, especially those showing strong emotional reactions, from laughter to distress. The word originates from the Greek term hystera, meaning “womb,” and was once believed that women were more prone to emotional instability due to their reproductive organs. It was used to dismiss women’s voices and concerns, especially in a medical context, when they were labeled as “hysterics” or even institutionalized.
Over time, as gender equality and awareness of mental health issues grew, the word came to be recognized as both gender-biased and medically inaccurate. Now, “hysterical” is considered outdated and offensive, as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misdiagnoses. Today, we are more likely to discuss anxiety or emotional distress with more precise language, and gendered explanations for behavior are widely rejected.
11. Savage
“Savage” was once widely used to describe Indigenous peoples, and in some cases, it was even used for racialized groups of non-Europeans. It was meant to portray them as uncivilized, barbaric, or in need of European intervention. The word reflects the colonial mindset that justified the violence and oppression faced by Indigenous peoples. “Savage” was often used to legitimize the subjugation of entire cultures, societies, and ways of life, often erasing Indigenous peoples’ complex histories and civilizations.
Today, “savage” is seen as deeply offensive due to its racist and dehumanizing connotations. It reinforces harmful stereotypes about Indigenous peoples being wild and primitive, which is far from the reality of their rich cultures. Instead, more accurate and respectful terms such as “Indigenous,” “Native American,” or the specific tribal name should be used. Using “savage” in reference to a person, culture, or community is a serious mistake and a relic of a colonial era.
12. Midget
For much of the 20th century, “midget” was the standard term for people with dwarfism, but it’s now considered offensive. The word was popularized by P.T. Barnum’s circus and other sideshows, where little people were put on display for public amusement. Because of this exploitative history, many people with dwarfism reject the term, seeing it as demeaning.
The preferred term today is “person with dwarfism” or simply “little person.” The organization Little People of America (LPA) has been vocal about why “midget” is problematic, and in 2015, the word was even banned from the broadcast of the Super Bowl. While some people still use it without ill intent, its ties to freak shows and dehumanization make it offensive to many.
13. Redskin
“Redskin” has been a controversial term for many years, particularly in the context of sports team names. Historically, it was used to describe Native Americans, but it has since been recognized as a racial slur. The term is deeply offensive because it commodifies Indigenous peoples and reinforces harmful stereotypes about them. The word “redskin” was used to dehumanize and marginalize Native Americans, and it carries with it a long history of violence, forced displacement, and cultural erasure.
In recent years, there has been a major push to retire team names like the Washington Redskins, which faced significant criticism for perpetuating racial stereotypes. The name was officially changed to the Washington Football Team in 2020. Many Native American advocacy groups have long called for the removal of such terms, arguing that they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and fail to respect Indigenous cultures. Today, people prefer terms like “Native American,” “Indigenous,” or specific tribal names to describe individuals or communities.
