microaggression

[ mahy-kroh-uh-gresh-uhn ]

noun

1. a subtle but offensive comment or action directed at a member of a marginalized group, especially a racial minority, that is often unintentionally offensive or unconsciously reinforces a stereotype:

   microaggressions such as "I don't see you as Black."

2. the act of discriminating against a marginalized group by means of such comments or actions:

   The diversity committee discussed the issue of microaggression toward women on campus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microaggression¹

First recorded in 1970; coined by psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce (1927–2016); micro- + aggression

Example Sentences

She was bullied, she says, and when she came home crying, her parents actually referenced the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., telling her that microaggressions shouldn’t cause her to lose control.

From Los Angeles Times

But Belinda lives it, through the microaggressions from her department head–she exits the position after oft-delayed meetings–and through being forced to care for someone she comes to despise.

From Salon

Blue terms conservatives might find off-putting include cisgender, microaggression and BIPOC, the acronym referring to Black, Indigenous and people of color.

From Seattle Times

The microaggressions are real things that have happened to me.

From New York Times

“One of the greatest threats to women in the workplace is burnout,” Johnson said, “and women who experience microaggressions are much more likely to simply leave the workplace and suffer from burnout.”

From Seattle Times