politically correct

[ puh-lit-ik-lee kuh-rekt ]

adjective

1. marked by or adhering to a typically progressive orthodoxy on issues involving especially ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ecology: The CEO feels that people who care about being politically correct are overly sensitive. : PC, P.C.

   The actor’s comment about unattractive women was not politically correct.

   The CEO feels that people who care about being politically correct are overly sensitive.

politically correct

adjective

1. demonstrating progressive ideals, esp by avoiding vocabulary that is considered offensive, discriminatory, or judgmental, esp concerning race and gender PC

Derived Forms

• political correctness, noun

Other Words From

• political correctness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of politically correct¹

1790–95 (in the sense “in accordance with established norms”); 1970–75 for the more recent meaning, which evolved from earlier Communist uses in the 1920s

Idioms and Phrases

Also, PC or p.c. Showing an effort to make broad social and political changes to redress injustices caused by prejudice. It often involves changing or avoiding language that might offend anyone, especially with respect to gender, race, or ethnic background. For example, Editors of major papers have sent out numerous directives concerning politically correct language . This expression was born in the late 1900s, and excesses in trying to conform to its philosophy gave rise to humorous parodies.

Example Sentences

Congressman Tom Suozzi, New York Democratic congressman, said the election loss was partly due to the party's focus on "being politically correct".

From BBC

“She’s running because they want to be politically correct,” Trump said on Tuesday.

From Salon

The words are as famous as her, although she now muses, “Today I’m not even sure that it’s politically correct to say that.”

From Los Angeles Times

Daub spoke with Salon about his book and whether it's "politically correct" to want your bánh mì to taste like a real bánh mì.

From Salon

In the photos, a stand-in for Zegler was photographed along with her band of woodland friends — whose diversity in height and ethnicity some interpreted as a “politically correct” spin on the original “Seven Dwarfs.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• PC