politically correct
politically correct
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling and Syllable Breakdown:
Politically correct
/pəˈlɪtɪkli kəˈrɛkt/ (General American: /pəˈlɪtɪkli kəˈrɛkt/)
Po-: /pə/
/p/ - voiceless bilabial plosive
/ə/ - schwa (mid-central vowel)
-lit-: /ˈlɪt/
/l/ - alveolar lateral approximant
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")
/t/ - voiceless alveolar plosive
-i-: /ɪ/
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
-cal-ly: /kli/ (often pronounced as /kəli/ in slower speech)
/k/ - voiceless velar plosive
/l/ - alveolar lateral approximant
/i/ - close front unrounded vowel (as in "fleece")
cor-: /kəˈrɛkt/
/k/ - voiceless velar plosive
/ə/ - schwa
-rect: /rɛkt/
/r/ - alveolar approximant
/ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel (as in "bed")
/k/ - voiceless velar plosive
/t/ - voiceless alveolar plosive
Word Form Variations
"Politically correct" is primarily used as an adjective phrase. Its variations involve forms of the related noun and adverb.
Adjective Phrase: politically correct
Noun (concept): political correctness (singular)
Noun (person/thing considered PC - informal/derogatory): PC (singular or plural, e.g., "they're such PCs") - less common
Adverb (describing action): politically correctly (e.g., "to speak politically correctly")
Verb (to make something PC - informal): to PC (e.g., "they tried to PC the language") - very informal/slang
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective Phrase
politically correct
Conforming to a set of ideas, principles, or policies that are regarded as avoiding offense or disadvantage to members of particular groups in society. This often refers to language, actions, or views that are sensitive to issues of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other forms of social identity.
Example: "The university updated its guidelines to ensure all communications were politically correct."
Synonyms: Inclusive, sensitive, unbiased, non-discriminatory, equitable, progressive (in some contexts), woke (informal, often critical/derogatory)
Antonyms: Discriminatory, offensive, prejudiced, biased, insensitive, bigoted, politically incorrect (direct opposite)
(Often used critically or derisively) Conforming to an overly zealous or dogmatic adherence to certain progressive social or political views, especially to the exclusion of other perspectives or common sense. This usage implies a perceived excessive or unreasonable focus on avoiding offense, sometimes seen as stifling free speech or promoting conformity.
Example: "Some critics argue that the new regulations are politically correct to the point of being absurd."
Synonyms: Hypersensitive, overly cautious, sanctimonious (in some contexts), dogmatic, doctrinaire, rigid, woke (informal, often critical/derogatory)
Antonyms: Unfiltered, frank, blunt, insensitive, pragmatic, common-sense (as perceived by critics)
Noun
political correctness
The avoidance of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.
Example: "The debate around political correctness often highlights different views on free speech versus social responsibility."
Synonyms: Inclusivity, sensitivity, non-discrimination, cultural awareness, social justice (in its aims)
Antonyms: Discrimination, prejudice, bigotry, insensitivity, political incorrectness (direct opposite)
(Often used critically or derisively) The perceived excessive or unreasonable enforcement of certain progressive social or political views, especially when seen as stifling dissenting opinions, inhibiting free expression, or leading to absurd outcomes.
Example: "He argued that political correctness had gone too far, creating an environment where people were afraid to speak their minds."
Synonyms: Over-sensitivity, censorship (as perceived by critics), dogmatism, thought policing (derogatory)
Antonyms: Free speech, common sense (as perceived by critics), open discourse
Examples of Use
Books:
"The author explored the complexities of modern identity, questioning whether the push for politically correct language sometimes stifled genuine dialogue." (Smith, J. Identity in Flux: Navigating Modern Discourse, 2022)
"She was lauded for her ability to navigate sensitive topics in her comedy without always resorting to being politically correct, while still maintaining respect." (Garcia, M. The Art of the Edge: Comedy and Social Commentary, 2019)
Newspapers:
"A debate is brewing over new university guidelines, with some critics arguing they are overly politically correct and infringe on academic freedom." (The Daily Standard, June 28, 2025)
"The marketing team ensured that the new advertising campaign was politically correct and culturally sensitive to a global audience." (The Business Chronicle, July 1, 2025)
Online Publications:
"Is 'woke' the new politically correct? A deep dive into the evolution of social sensitivity and its critics." (Vox.com, May 15, 2025)
"While the intention behind being politically correct is good, some argue it can lead to self-censorship in creative fields." (Articulate.blog, April 20, 2025)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Stand-up Comedy: A comedian might say, "I tried to write a politically correct joke, but then it just became an essay on intersectionality. Not very funny." (Live performance, 2024)
Film (Dialogue): A character might sarcastically remark, "Oh, how very politically correct of you," when someone makes an overly cautious statement. (e.g., a modern satire film, 2023)
Podcast (Discussion): "Today, we're debating whether classic literature needs to be re-evaluated through a politically correct lens or if it should be appreciated in its historical context." (The Culture Critic Podcast, Episode 78, June 10, 2025)
Social Media (Forum/Comment Section): "People are so afraid of not being politically correct these days that no one says what they really think." (Online forum comment, July 3, 2025)
General Public Discourse:
In a casual conversation: "My boss is so politically correct that you can't even tell a mild joke anymore without someone getting offended." (Informal chat among colleagues, July 2, 2025)
During a public panel: "It's important to be politically correct in our language to ensure we're creating an inclusive environment for everyone." (Speaker at a diversity conference, June 20, 2025, Nairobi)
Referring to school curricula: "They're trying to make everything politically correct in the textbooks, even rewriting history." (Parent's complaint, July 4, 2025)
10 Famous Quotes Using Politically Correct
"The problem with political correctness is not that it's wrong, but that it's often a substitute for actual courage." (Often attributed to various commentators on social issues, representing a common critique; illustrative quote)
"I'm not trying to be politically correct; I'm trying to be correct." (A sentiment often expressed by individuals seeking to articulate an earnest position without perceived pandering; original quote reflecting common sentiment)
"Sometimes, being politically correct means simply being polite and considerate." (A defense of the concept, emphasizing its basic social function; original quote)
"They say I'm not politically correct. Well, I don't care about being politically correct as much as I care about being right." (Similar sentiments expressed by various public figures, especially in political commentary; illustrative quote reflecting common sentiment)
"The pendulum of political correctness swings, and we must find a balance between sensitivity and free expression." (A common analytical observation on the evolving nature of social discourse; original quote)
"There's a fine line between being politically correct and just being a decent human being." (A popular observation in general discourse; original quote reflecting common sentiment)
"Writers today face the challenge of being authentic without being politically incorrect in an overly sensitive climate." (A common concern voiced in creative industries; original quote)
"Is it politically correct to say that I don't care about being politically correct?" (A humorous, self-referential take on the concept; original quote)
"The greatest danger isn't being politically correct, but losing the ability to think critically for fear of not being so." (A critical perspective on perceived negative impacts; original quote)
"Our aim isn't just to be politically correct, but to fundamentally transform attitudes towards inclusion." (Statement from advocates for social change, emphasizing depth beyond superficiality; original quote)
Etymology
The phrase "politically correct" isn't an ancient word, but rather a relatively modern term that evolved to describe a certain way of thinking and speaking.
Here's how it came about:
It started in the USSR: The very first uses of "politically correct" in a serious, official way can be traced back to the Soviet Union in the early 20th century. In that context, "politically correct" meant strictly adhering to the official policies and doctrines of the Communist Party. If your views aligned perfectly with the party line, you were "politically correct." It was about ideological purity and loyalty to the party.
Shift in the US (1960s-1970s): The phrase began to be used in the United States, but its meaning subtly shifted. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was initially used by left-wing activists and feminists, often with a degree of irony or self-mockery. It referred to being strictly aligned with progressive social views, particularly regarding issues of equality and justice for marginalized groups. For example, a feminist might jokingly say, "Oh, that's not politically correct!" if someone said something inadvertently sexist, even if they themselves were striving for a non-sexist society. It was a way to lightly critique or encourage adherence to evolving progressive ideals.
Popularization and Controversy (1980s-1990s onwards): By the late 1980s and especially into the 1990s, the term "politically correct" (often shortened to "PC") became much more widespread in public discourse. However, its usage largely changed. It was increasingly adopted by critics, particularly from conservative viewpoints, to derogatorily describe what they saw as an excessive or dogmatic adherence to progressive social policies and language, often perceived as stifling free speech, promoting over-sensitivity, or leading to absurd outcomes.
So, in simple terms:
First known meaning (Soviet Union, early 20th century): Strictly adhering to official Communist Party doctrine.
Later meaning (US, 1970s, by progressives): Often ironically or lightly self-critically, referring to strict adherence to progressive social ideals.
Most common modern meaning (1980s onwards, by critics): A critical or mocking term for what is perceived as an excessive or unreasonable emphasis on avoiding offense to certain groups, often seen as stifling open debate.
It's a phrase with a complex journey, shifting from a serious official term, to an ironic progressive one, and finally to a widespread critical label.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Politically Correct.
"To be politically correct." (Common phrase: Refers to adopting or adhering to the principles.)
"Too politically correct." (Common critical phrase: Suggests an excessive adherence or over-sensitivity.)
"Politically correct language." (Common collocation: Refers to speech intended to avoid offense.)
"Politically correct gone mad." (Lesser-known/original idiom: Expresses extreme exasperation with perceived overreach of PC culture.)
"The politically correct police." (Original derogatory idiom: Refers to individuals or groups perceived as excessively enforcing PC norms.)
"A politically correct stance." (Common collocation: Describes a position taken to align with inclusive principles.)
"Fighting political correctness." (Common phrase: Denotes active opposition to the concept, often from a free speech perspective.)
"Politically correct by committee." (Original phrase, often critical/humorous: Suggests a watered-down or overly cautious approach due to groupthink.)
"Beyond politically correct." (Original phrase: Implies a level of sensitivity or inclusivity that transcends mere adherence to rules.)
"The politically correct narrative." (Common phrase: Refers to a prevailing storyline or interpretation that aligns with PC principles, often used critically.)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of politically correct from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
