Problematic Words We Must Stop Using

Jul 29, 2021

We all use some words in our day to day lives that are offensive. Most of the time, we aren't aware of how they came about and how demeaning these can be for some people. The best way to fix it is by being educated and removing these words from our vocabulary. Here is a list of words that have a disturbing origin.

Rule Of Thumb

Yes, this word is offensive as it originated in the early 1600s in American and England. It basically says a man can beat his wife with a stick no wider than his thumb. Now you see the issue?

Basket Case

@via

This word referred to soldiers in grave condition during world war II.

Hysterical

This word was used to disregard the ailments of women.

Lame

This word was used to refer to disabled people.

OCD

This is a serious mental health issue that people suffer from but the term is thrown around casually.

Eskimo

It is a slur that translates to 'eaters of raw meat' and is used in a demeaning way.

Slave

@via

This term takes away the dignity of people who were forced to work against their will.

Barbarian

This term was coined for people who did not belong to a superior state.

Which of these terms you didn't know was offensive?