Language is a living, breathing entity. It constantly evolves to reflect our changing cultural values and social understanding. Phrases and idioms that were once common and considered perfectly acceptable can, over time, take on new meanings or have their problematic origins brought to light. Using these outdated phrases today can be seen as insensitive, ignorant, or offensive, even if the user has no malicious intent. Being mindful of our language is a key part of respectful communication. Here are seven phrases that were once common but are now considered unacceptable by many.
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1. “Spirit Animal”
In the past, people would casually refer to something they deeply identified with—be it a celebrity, a food, or an actual animal—as their “spirit animal.” However, this phrase co-opts and trivializes a concept that is deeply sacred in many Indigenous and First Nations cultures. In these traditions, a spirit animal is a guide or protector with profound spiritual significance. Using the term casually to describe a relatable meme or a favorite type of pizza is now widely seen as culturally insensitive and disrespectful.
2. “Long Time No See”
This common greeting seems perfectly harmless. However, its origins are debated, and some believe it began as a pidgin English phrase used to imitate the speech patterns of Native Americans or Chinese immigrants. Because it may have originated as a way of mocking non-native English speakers, many people now choose to avoid it. While the intent of the modern user is friendly, its potentially problematic history makes it a phrase worth reconsidering.
3. “The Peanut Gallery”
This phrase was often used to refer to hecklers or people offering unsolicited, uninformed opinions. Its origin, however, dates back to the Vaudeville era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The “peanut gallery” was the cheapest section of seats in the theater, often in the balcony. In the segregated South, these were frequently the only seats available to Black patrons. The term is therefore rooted in a history of segregation and racial discrimination.
4. Using “Crazy,” “Insane,” or “Psycho” Casually
Words related to mental illness are often used casually to describe something wild, chaotic, or someone with an unusual opinion (e.g., “That party was insane,” or “My boss is being crazy”). This usage is now widely considered ableist. It trivializes the experience of people living with serious mental health conditions and perpetuates negative stereotypes. More mindful language encourages using more precise words, like “wild,” “chaotic,” or “unreasonable,” instead.
5. “Sold Down the River”
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This idiom means betrayal or being cheated. Its origins are dark and directly linked to the history of slavery in the United States. It refers to the practice of slave owners in the upper South selling their enslaved people “down the river” (the Mississippi or Ohio rivers) to the brutal cotton and sugar plantations of the Deep South. This was often seen as a terrible fate. Using this phrase today makes light of this horrific chapter of history.
6. “Grandfathered In”
This term is used to describe a situation where an old rule continues to apply to some existing situations, while a new rule will apply to all future cases. The phrase originates from “grandfather clauses” enacted in the South after the Civil War. These laws were designed to disenfranchise Black voters by stating that men could only vote if their grandfathers had been eligible to vote before the Civil War—a condition that former slaves could not meet. The phrase is directly tied to racist voter suppression laws.
7. Calling a Group of People a “Tribe”
People often refer to their close group of friends, colleagues, or community as their “tribe.” While usually intended to convey a sense of deep belonging and connection, the term can be insensitive. It appropriates a term with specific, deep cultural and political meaning for Indigenous peoples around the world. For many Indigenous communities, a tribe is a sovereign political entity, not a casual social group. Using more precise words like “community,” “team,” or “inner circle” is often more respectful.
Language is a powerful tool that reflects and shapes our understanding of the world. As our collective awareness of history, culture, and mental health grows, so too does our language. Phasing out these once-acceptable phrases is not about being overly sensitive; it’s about choosing words that are more precise, respectful, and inclusive. It reflects a willingness to listen and adapt our communication to be more considerate of others’ experiences and histories. Being mindful of the words we use is a simple yet powerful way to foster a more respectful social environment.
What other phrases can you think of that have fallen out of favor due to a better understanding of their origins or impact? How do you feel about the evolution of language in this way? Share your thoughts!
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