# definitions

_id: 30b5c20e5307b432fcf88006307f7cd8b4474c7a
_path: -passing.md
title: -passing
slug: -passing
sub_terms:
[{"text": "cis-", "full_title": "cis-passing"}, {"text": "female-", "full_title": "female-passing"}, {"text": "white-", "full_title": "white-passing"}]


_id: b3751864a14709ab3daeef3c88fa769940b5f677
_path: -phobia.md
title: -phobia
slug: -phobia
sub_terms:
[{"text": "Fat", "full_title": "Fatphobia"}, {"text": "Homo", "full_title": "Homophobia"}, {"text": "Trans", "full_title": "Transphobia"}]


_id: 4a841472c077339dbd7d3268f3b1615f6381e91b
_path: -splaining.md
title: -Splaining
slug: -splaining
sub_terms:
[{"text": "Cissplaining", "full_title": "Cissplaining"}, {"text": "Mansplaining", "full_title": "Mansplaining"}, {"text": "Whitesplaining", "full_title": "Whitesplaining"}]


_id: 325551e56ada0596c70853012fb8f2e6cbaaf264
_path: ableism.md
title: Ableism
slug: ableism
speech: noun
text:
a system that places value on people’s bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy, intelligence, excellence, and productivity. These constructed ideas are deeply rooted in anti-Blackness, eugenics, colonialism, and capitalism.

— Talia "TL" Lewis

## Impact

To paraphrase Lewis, ableism "leads to people and society determining who is valuable and worthy based on a person’s appearance and/or their ability to [...] produce, excel, and 'behave.'" You do not have to be disabled to experience ableism, and Disabled people can also reinforce ableism internally (manifesting as harm to themselves) and externally (harm to other disabled people).

## Further reading

- [Longmore Lecture: Context, Clarity & Grounding](https://www.talilalewis.com/blog/longmore-lecture-context-clarity-grounding)
- [Ableism 2020: An Updated Definition](https://www.talilalewis.com/blog/ableism-2020-an-updated-definition)

html:
<p>a system that places value on people’s bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideas of normalcy, intelligence, excellence, and productivity. These constructed ideas are deeply rooted in anti-Blackness, eugenics, colonialism, and capitalism.</p>
<p>— Talia "TL" Lewis</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>To paraphrase Lewis, ableism "leads to people and society determining who is valuable and worthy based on a person’s appearance and/or their ability to [...] produce, excel, and 'behave.'" You do not have to be disabled to experience ableism, and Disabled people can also reinforce ableism internally (manifesting as harm to themselves) and externally (harm to other disabled people).</p>
<h2>Further reading</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.talilalewis.com/blog/longmore-lecture-context-clarity-grounding">Longmore Lecture: Context, Clarity &amp; Grounding</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.talilalewis.com/blog/ableism-2020-an-updated-definition">Ableism 2020: An Updated Definition</a></li>
</ul>


_id: 23edacaa37100cef72f26452e1206c8a2d76bf98
_path: american.md
title: American
slug: american
sub_terms:
[{"text": "African", "full_title": "African American"}, {"text": "Asian", "full_title": "Asian American"}, {"text": "Black", "full_title": "Black American"}, {"text": "Indigenous", "full_title": "Indigenous American"}]


_id: e75874bf053cc673bc99da61be9e34df2fa7e9cd
_path: anti-.md
title: Anti-
slug: anti-
sub_terms:
[{"text": "-blackness", "full_title": "anti-blackness"}, {"text": "-queerness", "full_title": "anti-queerness"}, {"text": "-trans", "full_title": "anti-trans"}]


_id: c33fd75c83379d3293b9605727c6198c11483990
_path: asian.md
title: Asian
slug: asian
sub_terms:
[{"text": "East", "full_title": "East Asian"}, {"text": "South", "full_title": "South Asian"}, {"text": "Southeast", "full_title": "Southeast Asian"}]


_id: 852ad01aa66f8c25281b03a8db70a769fd539a8d
_path: attraction.md
title: Attraction
slug: attraction
sub_terms:
[{"text": "Aesthetic", "full_title": "Aesthetic Attraction"}, {"text": "Platonic", "full_title": "Platonic Attraction"}, {"text": "Sexual", "full_title": "Sexual Attraction"}]


_id: 1f51203e2e22820d21e841bbbfc798b66eb23c59
_path: barbaric.md
title: Barbaric
slug: barbaric
flag: {"text": "Neo-Colonial/Racist slur", "level": "avoid"}
speech: adjective
alt_words: ["cruel", "vicious", "obscene", "feral"]
text:
something which is obscenely cruel; primitive; unsophisticated

## Issues

Barbarian originates from the Greek word _bárbaros_ meaning "babbler", to denote the "unintelligible sounds" (_"bar bar bar"_) made by foreign speakers.
Similar words exist in many other languages, for the identical purpose labeling a "strange"/"foreign" person/culture.

In modern day usage, you can notice this rhetoric being employed almost always for the purpose of demonizing "foreign" (more often than not from the global south) cultures - cultures that need to be civilized;
cultures that need to be colonized to rescue them from themselves. A perfect lingual weapon for warmongers and racists alike. Equally repulsive sibling of "savage".

## Impact

When you use words, that are in vogue primarily inside circles of bigots, with racist etymologies, it's a wilful act of violence, ignorance and an indication to the vilified and minoritised communities that their history of wounds and abuses are inconsequential to our words.

## Usage Tip

Avoid words that have obscene etymologies. There is almost always a better alternative: an inclusive and a less hurtful one.

html:
<p>something which is obscenely cruel; primitive; unsophisticated</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>Barbarian originates from the Greek word <em>bárbaros</em> meaning "babbler", to denote the "unintelligible sounds" (<em>"bar bar bar"</em>) made by foreign speakers.
Similar words exist in many other languages, for the identical purpose labeling a "strange"/"foreign" person/culture.</p>
<p>In modern day usage, you can notice this rhetoric being employed almost always for the purpose of demonizing "foreign" (more often than not from the global south) cultures - cultures that need to be civilized;
cultures that need to be colonized to rescue them from themselves. A perfect lingual weapon for warmongers and racists alike. Equally repulsive sibling of "savage".</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>When you use words, that are in vogue primarily inside circles of bigots, with racist etymologies, it's a wilful act of violence, ignorance and an indication to the vilified and minoritised communities that their history of wounds and abuses are inconsequential to our words.</p>
<h2>Usage Tip</h2>
<p>Avoid words that have obscene etymologies. There is almost always a better alternative: an inclusive and a less hurtful one.</p>

reading:
[{"text": "is the word barbarian a slur?", "href": "https://seetobehumanityearth.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/is-the-term-barbarian-a-slur/"}, {"text": "Barbarian wiki", "href": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbarian"}]


_id: 0de76a2e274c1e7ac852118b222f77489144b947
_path: biromantic.md
title: Biromantic
slug: biromantic
speech: adj
text:
of, relating to, or characterised by being romantically attracted to more than one gender.

## Note

Biromantic does not imply any particular kind of sexual attraction, or sexual attraction at all. A biromantic person may be asexual, homosexual, heterosexual, [bisexual](/definitions/bisexual), [pansexual](/definitions/pan-sexual), etc.

Biromantic does not preclude romantic attraction to [non-binary](/definitions/non-binary) or [transgender](/definitions/transgender) people.

html:
<p>of, relating to, or characterised by being romantically attracted to more than one gender.</p>
<h2>Note</h2>
<p>Biromantic does not imply any particular kind of sexual attraction, or sexual attraction at all. A biromantic person may be asexual, homosexual, heterosexual, <a href="/definitions/bisexual">bisexual</a>, <a href="/definitions/pan-sexual">pansexual</a>, etc.</p>
<p>Biromantic does not preclude romantic attraction to <a href="/definitions/non-binary">non-binary</a> or <a href="/definitions/transgender">transgender</a> people.</p>

reading:
[{"text": "Sorting Out Romantic vs Sexual Feelings", "href": "http://teenhealthsource.com/blog/faq-sorting-out-romantic-vs-sexual-feelings/"}, {"text": "Being Bi On The Asexual Spectrum", "href": "https://www.curvemag.com/Lifestyle/Being-Bi-On-The-Asexual-Spectrum-2141/"}, {"text": "Here\u2019s What It Means When Your Romantic and Sexual Orientations Are Different", "href": "https://everydayfeminism.com/2016/07/cross-orientation-101/"}]


_id: d62ad226be4fc4cbf0a71385b19fb005d5372fe9
_path: bisexual.md
title: Bisexual
slug: bisexual
speech: adj
text:
of, relating to, or characterised by being sexually attracted to more than one gender.

## Note

Bisexuality does not preclude attraction to [non-binary](/definitions/non-binary) or [transgender](/definitions/transgender) people.

## Further Reading

[Am I Bisexual?](http://www.bisexualindex.org.uk/index.php/AmIBisexual)

html:
<p>of, relating to, or characterised by being sexually attracted to more than one gender.</p>
<h2>Note</h2>
<p>Bisexuality does not preclude attraction to <a href="/definitions/non-binary">non-binary</a> or <a href="/definitions/transgender">transgender</a> people.</p>
<h2>Further Reading</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.bisexualindex.org.uk/index.php/AmIBisexual">Am I Bisexual?</a></p>


_id: 653d38c24d3076ad553e871074e95f1fa461a86d
_path: black.md
title: Black
slug: black
sub_terms:
[{"text": "men (BM)", "full_title": "Black men (BM)"}, {"text": "people (BP)", "full_title": "Black people (BP)"}, {"text": "women (BW)", "full_title": "Black women (BW)"}]


_id: 68df9b8f533142354ac39a985188bfdc2c4cdf01
_path: cisgender.md
title: Cisgender
slug: cisgender
speech: adj
text:
of, relating to, or characterised by being a gender that matches the gender they were assigned at birth.

The opposite of [transgender](/definitions/transgender).

html:
<p>of, relating to, or characterised by being a gender that matches the gender they were assigned at birth.</p>
<p>The opposite of <a href="/definitions/transgender">transgender</a>.</p>


_id: 3edbd8d433034780e8785f57e26b2f7ff5091ba7
_path: crazy.md
title: crazy
slug: crazy
flag: {"text": "Ableist Slur", "level": "avoid"}
speech: noun
text:
mentally deranged; demented; insane.

## Issues

Crazy is very commonly used as an adjective to embody a vast array of ideas, often not specifically. It is used so frequently that it sometimes is a filler. Crazy can also be used in a derogatory manner for someone with mental or psychiatric disabilities.

## Impact

By using ableist language, we are perpetuating violence against people who experience mental or psychological disabilities. Using this language perpetuates those systems and language of harm, regardless of our intent.

## Usage Tip

Be more specific. Typically we can find an alternate definition by simply reflecting on what emotion we're really feeling.

html:
<p>mentally deranged; demented; insane.</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>Crazy is very commonly used as an adjective to embody a vast array of ideas, often not specifically. It is used so frequently that it sometimes is a filler. Crazy can also be used in a derogatory manner for someone with mental or psychiatric disabilities.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>By using ableist language, we are perpetuating violence against people who experience mental or psychological disabilities. Using this language perpetuates those systems and language of harm, regardless of our intent.</p>
<h2>Usage Tip</h2>
<p>Be more specific. Typically we can find an alternate definition by simply reflecting on what emotion we're really feeling.</p>

alt_words:
["abundant", "bizarre", "enormous", "ludicrous", "obnoxious", "outlandish", "ridiculous", "unbelievable", "unexpected", "unfamiliar", "unreal", "scary", "shocking", "strange", "wicked", "wild"]


_id: 707df199384cd5564080f5f50f65d0c56fff515e
_path: demi.md
title: Demi
slug: demi
sub_terms:
[{"text": "-boy", "full_title": "Demi-boy"}, {"text": "-girl", "full_title": "Demi-girl"}, {"text": "-romantic", "full_title": "Demi-romantic"}, {"text": "-sexual", "full_title": "Demi-sexual"}]


_id: 2087a9cb2d6097acfdc56214462756878b80504b
_path: dumb.md
title: dumb
slug: dumb
flag: {"text": "Ableist Slur", "level": "avoid"}
speech: adjective
text:
non-verbal, non-speaking, silent, refraining from speaking or unable to speak; sometimes __mute__ which can also be ableist; colloquially used to mean unintelligent or senseless

## Issues

Dumb initially meant "mute, silent, refraining or unable to speak." Old German __thumb__ carried a dual meaning of "stupid", which eventually took over.

An oft-cited quote by Greek philosopher Aristotle reads, "Men that are deaf are in all cases also dumb.**" Historically the Greeks valued physical prowess (as evidenced by their invention of the Olympic Games) and their language, so anyone who lacked the ability to perform certain physical tasks or conduct reason (verbalise reason, rather) in their language was considered invaluable to society. The historical context is still ever present today, where we devalue disabled bodies and minds.

Using dumb reinforces these cultural values.

**Isolation to only "men" also reinforces the historical patriarchical ideas that intersected with these ableist ones.

## Impact

Using the word dumb reinforces the idea that Deaf and/or non-speaking/non-verbal people do not have valuable ideas to contribute, and that we only value people based on their idea to generate ideas and goods (see [Ableism](/definitions/ableism))

By using ableist language, we are perpetuating violence against people who experience mental or psychological disabilities. Using this language perpetuates those systems and language of harm, regardless of our intent.

## Usage Tip

Be more specific. Typically we can find an alternate definition by simply reflecting on what emotion we're really feeling.

html:
<p>non-verbal, non-speaking, silent, refraining from speaking or unable to speak; sometimes <strong>mute</strong> which can also be ableist; colloquially used to mean unintelligent or senseless</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>Dumb initially meant "mute, silent, refraining or unable to speak." Old German <strong>thumb</strong> carried a dual meaning of "stupid", which eventually took over.</p>
<p>An oft-cited quote by Greek philosopher Aristotle reads, "Men that are deaf are in all cases also dumb.**" Historically the Greeks valued physical prowess (as evidenced by their invention of the Olympic Games) and their language, so anyone who lacked the ability to perform certain physical tasks or conduct reason (verbalise reason, rather) in their language was considered invaluable to society. The historical context is still ever present today, where we devalue disabled bodies and minds.</p>
<p>Using dumb reinforces these cultural values.</p>
<p>**Isolation to only "men" also reinforces the historical patriarchical ideas that intersected with these ableist ones.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>Using the word dumb reinforces the idea that Deaf and/or non-speaking/non-verbal people do not have valuable ideas to contribute, and that we only value people based on their idea to generate ideas and goods (see <a href="/definitions/ableism">Ableism</a>)</p>
<p>By using ableist language, we are perpetuating violence against people who experience mental or psychological disabilities. Using this language perpetuates those systems and language of harm, regardless of our intent.</p>
<h2>Usage Tip</h2>
<p>Be more specific. Typically we can find an alternate definition by simply reflecting on what emotion we're really feeling.</p>

reading:
[{"text": "Etymonline entry", "href": "https://www.etymonline.com/word/dumb"}, {"text": "The Case Against Stupid", "href": "https://ischemgeek.wordpress.com/2014/02/15/the-case-against-stupid/"}, {"text": "National Association of the Deaf FAQ", "href": "https://www.nad.org/resources/american-sign-language/community-and-culture-frequently-asked-questions/"}, {"text": "National Geographic Creation of Sign Language", "href": "https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/magazine/2019/05-06/creation-of-sign-language/"}, {"text": "Stereotypes and Evaluations of People who are D/deaf [PDF, 363KB]", "href": "https://digitalcommons.unf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1020&context=honors"}, {"text": "StackExchange \"Who first wrote about deafness\"", "href": "https://history.stackexchange.com/questions/7293/who-first-wrote-about-deafness"}]

alt_words:
["incomprehensible", "nonsensical", "redundant", "silly", "senseless", "strange", "weird", "unfamilair", "unfathomable", "unnecessary"]


_id: 82e325b1bfd319c71c847c80222f5dfd7964a631
_path: english-as-second-language.md
title: English as Second Language (ESL)
slug: english-as-second-language
flag: {"level": "avoid"}
speech: noun
text:
the teaching of English to people who speak a different language and who live in a country where English is the main language spoken

## Issues

Monolinguist, English-only speakers often refer to people who don't speak English natively as "ESL" or say they are learning a "second language". More often than not, this is not true, as many people are multi-lingual with 3 or more languages

## Impact

It makes false assumptions about English learners, centres English as the "default" or "expected" first language, ignoring that many people learn multiple (>3), non-English languages first.

html:
<p>the teaching of English to people who speak a different language and who live in a country where English is the main language spoken</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>Monolinguist, English-only speakers often refer to people who don't speak English natively as "ESL" or say they are learning a "second language". More often than not, this is not true, as many people are multi-lingual with 3 or more languages</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>It makes false assumptions about English learners, centres English as the "default" or "expected" first language, ignoring that many people learn multiple (&gt;3), non-English languages first.</p>

reading:
[{"href": "https://benchmarkeducation.com/best-practices-library/supporting-english-language-learners-in-reading-writing.html#section_2", "text": "ELL Glossary by Benchmark Education"}]

alt_words:
["English as learning-language (ELL)", "or non-native", "or omit (because do you really know, for sure?)"]


_id: aa94daed89aff7e43df983e5fa0497318cc81450
_path: fat.md
title: Fat
slug: fat
sub_terms:
[{"text": "-phobia", "full_title": "Fatphobia"}, {"text": "Shaming", "full_title": "Fat Shaming"}, {"text": "Activism", "full_title": "Fat Activism"}, {"text": "Liberation", "full_title": "Fat Liberation"}]


_id: 4f3db2ab3952ed97a1d5b94049091f46983dadb6
_path: fatphobia.md
title: Fatphobia
slug: fatphobia
speech: noun
text:
the fear, hatred, and stigmitasation of fat people.

## Issues

Fatphobia is the racialised, classist, and ableist tool of oppression that codifies a “ideal” body type that centres a white, Western aesthetic, demands time and resources that people may not have, and attempts to correlate thinness and heathliness—perpetuating white supremacist violence against people of colour, perpetuates classist oppression of people living with limited resources, and the ableist idea of healthiness as an indicator of human value.

## Impact

A history of being ignored and shamed prevents many fat people from visiting medical professionals even if they have the financial and physical means to do so. Medical professionals hold fatphobic biases and often prescribe weight loss as a default instead of listening to their fat patients' concerns.

Employers will pay fat employees less than their thin colleagues and offer them no protection from weight stigma in the workplace, as their fatphobic biases lead to their perception of fat employees as lazy, less intelligent, and unmotivated.

Law enforcement officers are less likely to believe fat people reporting sexual assaults, as their fatphobic biases lead them to think of fat people as unattractive, not sexually active, or undesirable.

html:
<p>the fear, hatred, and stigmitasation of fat people.</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>Fatphobia is the racialised, classist, and ableist tool of oppression that codifies a “ideal” body type that centres a white, Western aesthetic, demands time and resources that people may not have, and attempts to correlate thinness and heathliness—perpetuating white supremacist violence against people of colour, perpetuates classist oppression of people living with limited resources, and the ableist idea of healthiness as an indicator of human value.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>A history of being ignored and shamed prevents many fat people from visiting medical professionals even if they have the financial and physical means to do so. Medical professionals hold fatphobic biases and often prescribe weight loss as a default instead of listening to their fat patients' concerns.</p>
<p>Employers will pay fat employees less than their thin colleagues and offer them no protection from weight stigma in the workplace, as their fatphobic biases lead to their perception of fat employees as lazy, less intelligent, and unmotivated.</p>
<p>Law enforcement officers are less likely to believe fat people reporting sexual assaults, as their fatphobic biases lead them to think of fat people as unattractive, not sexually active, or undesirable.</p>

reading:
[{"text": "Sizeism and Fatphobia", "href": "https://www.srhweek.ca/providers/people-and-communities/sizeism-and-fatphobia/"}, {"text": "Anti-Oppression: Anti-Fatmisia", "href": "https://simmons.libguides.com/anti-oppression/anti-fatmisia"}]


_id: bda28b8898db8b62fb55a754a1d4cfc2a57239c0
_path: gaslighting.md
title: Gaslighting
slug: gaslighting
flag: {"level": "tool", "text": "Tool of Oppression"}
speech: noun
text:
psychological manipulation tactic used to abuse by instilling doubt in the victim's own thoughts, observations, feelings by denying, misdirecting, and lying to them; originated from the Gaslight play (1933) and film (1944), where a man changes the lights in the house, while denying her observations of the changes.

## Impact

Gaslighting reinforces systems of power, as gaslighting abusers will tend to be in systematically dominant positions where they are intrinsically believed over their victim (e.g., white person over person of colour, man over woman, abled person over disabled person, parent over child, manager over worker, etc). Gaslighting is an abusive and oppressive behaviour and tactic.

The abuser can become in control of the victim, who now no longer trusts their own perception. The victim can become codependent upon their abuser, and internalise.

html:
<p>psychological manipulation tactic used to abuse by instilling doubt in the victim's own thoughts, observations, feelings by denying, misdirecting, and lying to them; originated from the Gaslight play (1933) and film (1944), where a man changes the lights in the house, while denying her observations of the changes.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>Gaslighting reinforces systems of power, as gaslighting abusers will tend to be in systematically dominant positions where they are intrinsically believed over their victim (e.g., white person over person of colour, man over woman, abled person over disabled person, parent over child, manager over worker, etc). Gaslighting is an abusive and oppressive behaviour and tactic.</p>
<p>The abuser can become in control of the victim, who now no longer trusts their own perception. The victim can become codependent upon their abuser, and internalise.</p>

reading:
[{"text": "11 warnings signs of gaslighting", "href": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201701/11-warning-signs-gaslighting"}, {"text": "Gaslighting examples", "href": "https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/6766/gaslighting-examples/"}]


_id: bb7c956aadccc960506bec784478f770eaf9dec9
_path: gender.md
title: Gender
slug: gender
sub_terms:
[{"text": "Cis-", "full_title": "Cisgender"}, {"text": "-Fluid", "full_title": "Gender-Fluid"}, {"text": "Non-Conforming", "full_title": "Gender Non-Conforming"}, {"text": "Trans", "full_title": "transgender"}, {"text": "-Queer", "full_title": "Gender-Queer"}]


_id: bec6e4b87552fbcb703b2b4c3fbdb41a6baf5b0a
_path: hysterical.md
title: hysterical
slug: hysterical
flag: {"level": "avoid", "text": "sexist"}
speech: adjective
text:
feeling or showing uncontrollable outburst of emotion; casually: very funny

## Issues

Hysteria originates from the Greek word _hysterikos_ or "of the womb." The Greeks believed that hysteria was something that moved through a woman's body and caused ailments.

Hysteria was once an official medical condition that was primarily diagnosed in women. (It has since been disbanded into other disorders, such as conversion and disassociative disorders.) So, as medical professionals believed men did not have uteruses\*, medical professionals would not diagnose men with hysteria (even though they were experiencing the same symptoms of conversion disorder).

\*Editor's Note: This concept that men cannot have uteruses is reflective of the medical context, not the belief of the editor.

## Impact

Gender-codified and sexist language perpetuates harmful stereotypes that reinforce patriarchical ideas. In the case of hysteria, it perpetuates the false stereotype of women as being unreasonable, irrational, and not in control of their emotions. Harmful stereotypes can cause women to not be believed, to have their experiences invalidated, and be tone-policed.

Defining gender by sexual organs can also perpetuate transphobic and anti-trans definitions, where gender is falsely defined by sexual organs.

Medical conditions believed to be defined by sex and gender are reductive and can lead to misdiagnosis.

## Alt Words

If intending **funny** connotation, try: funny; hilarious; comedic.

If intending **panic** connotation, try: panicked, petrified, startled.

html:
<p>feeling or showing uncontrollable outburst of emotion; casually: very funny</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>Hysteria originates from the Greek word <em>hysterikos</em> or "of the womb." The Greeks believed that hysteria was something that moved through a woman's body and caused ailments.</p>
<p>Hysteria was once an official medical condition that was primarily diagnosed in women. (It has since been disbanded into other disorders, such as conversion and disassociative disorders.) So, as medical professionals believed men did not have uteruses*, medical professionals would not diagnose men with hysteria (even though they were experiencing the same symptoms of conversion disorder).</p>
<p>*Editor's Note: This concept that men cannot have uteruses is reflective of the medical context, not the belief of the editor.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>Gender-codified and sexist language perpetuates harmful stereotypes that reinforce patriarchical ideas. In the case of hysteria, it perpetuates the false stereotype of women as being unreasonable, irrational, and not in control of their emotions. Harmful stereotypes can cause women to not be believed, to have their experiences invalidated, and be tone-policed.</p>
<p>Defining gender by sexual organs can also perpetuate transphobic and anti-trans definitions, where gender is falsely defined by sexual organs.</p>
<p>Medical conditions believed to be defined by sex and gender are reductive and can lead to misdiagnosis.</p>
<h2>Alt Words</h2>
<p>If intending <strong>funny</strong> connotation, try: funny; hilarious; comedic.</p>
<p>If intending <strong>panic</strong> connotation, try: panicked, petrified, startled.</p>

reading:
[{"text": "Etymoline", "href": "https://www.etymonline.com/word/hysterical"}, {"text": "On the sexist etimology of \u201chysteria,\u201d and what academia did about it", "href": "https://medium.com/@peacelovetrig/on-the-sexist-etimology-of-hysteria-and-what-academia-did-about-it-ef98815ddb6c"}, {"text": "Hysteria, Is the Medical Condition Mental, Physical, or Made Up?", "href": "https://www.newsweek.com/hysteria-medical-condition-mental-physical-or-made-66277"}]


_id: 09dfddba131eb2eb338f4e6d4e3dbbdd5ea781d4
_path: minorities.md
title: minorities
slug: minorities
flag: {"level": "avoid"}
speech: noun
alt_words: ["minoritised", "or omit"]
text:
the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole

## Issues

Minorities is not always accurate and is vague. As it deals with numbers, the term minorities can often be inaccurate, as is the case when speaking of communities of colour, who often outnumber white communities.

By referring to a group as 'minorities,' it can suggest the group hasn't taken initiative to show up, thereby blaming the oppressed for systemic issues that prevent their participation.

## Impact

By repeatedly referring to groups as "minorities," they are being infantised to their numerical representation and made to feel minor. The vagueness also abstracts the identify of the marginalised group, making it difficult to address why they are minoritised to begin with.

html:
<p>the smaller in number of two groups constituting a whole</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>Minorities is not always accurate and is vague. As it deals with numbers, the term minorities can often be inaccurate, as is the case when speaking of communities of colour, who often outnumber white communities.</p>
<p>By referring to a group as 'minorities,' it can suggest the group hasn't taken initiative to show up, thereby blaming the oppressed for systemic issues that prevent their participation.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>By repeatedly referring to groups as "minorities," they are being infantised to their numerical representation and made to feel minor. The vagueness also abstracts the identify of the marginalised group, making it difficult to address why they are minoritised to begin with.</p>


_id: 356891dd0e865db07ebe6a28f257ce907c44758a
_path: minoritised.md
title: minoritised
slug: minoritised
flag: {"level": "better-alternative", "alt-for": "minorities"}
speech: adj
text:
groups resulting from social constructs have grant less power or representation compared to other members or groups in society

## Benefits

Minoritised places the emphasis on the power struggle, and on the systemic issues at play. It's also an adjective, which requires you to add "group" or "people" so it's people-first language

## Impact

It removes the pejorative nature of "minorities".

html:
<p>groups resulting from social constructs have grant less power or representation compared to other members or groups in society</p>
<h2>Benefits</h2>
<p>Minoritised places the emphasis on the power struggle, and on the systemic issues at play. It's also an adjective, which requires you to add "group" or "people" so it's people-first language</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>It removes the pejorative nature of "minorities".</p>

reading:
[{"text": "Minority vs minoritize", "href": "https://www.theodysseyonline.com/minority-vs-minoritize"}]


_id: 96908e0d2d1dec7a4f86f27f546960d1fcdad134
_path: non-binary.md
title: Non-binary
slug: non-binary
speech: adj
text:
of, relating to, or characterised by being any gender that does not fit into the male-female gender binary; an umbrella term.

For example, a non-binary person may have some gender between male and female, have multiple genders, no gender, a culturally-specific gender (e.g., two-spirit).

## Note

Non-binary people may or may not also identify as [transgender](/definitions/transgender).

Although non-binary is commonly used as an umbrella term, just because someone identifies as a term under the umbrella, does not necessarily imply that they identify as non-binary as well. For example, someone may be agender, but not identify with the term "non-binary".

html:
<p>of, relating to, or characterised by being any gender that does not fit into the male-female gender binary; an umbrella term.</p>
<p>For example, a non-binary person may have some gender between male and female, have multiple genders, no gender, a culturally-specific gender (e.g., two-spirit).</p>
<h2>Note</h2>
<p>Non-binary people may or may not also identify as <a href="/definitions/transgender">transgender</a>.</p>
<p>Although non-binary is commonly used as an umbrella term, just because someone identifies as a term under the umbrella, does not necessarily imply that they identify as non-binary as well. For example, someone may be agender, but not identify with the term "non-binary".</p>


_id: 0de41420cde662b151625da7099f84d74fc43f8a
_path: obsessive-compulsive-disorder.md
title: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
slug: obsessive-compulsive-disorder
flag: {"level": "avoid", "text": "Medical Appropriation"}
speech: noun
text:
a mental illness usually embodied by unwanted repeated thoughts (obsession) coupled with repeated behaviour, routine, or action (compulsion)

## Issues

OCD is commonly misused to highlight personality quirks or fussiness, usually involving a preference for order or cleanliness. Use of 'OCD' as a noun or adjective in this manner diminishes the actual condition, resulting in reductive and over-normalised perception of a someone with these specific mental or psychiatric disabilities.

## Impact

By conflating arbitrary quirks or behaviours with OCD, we are invalidating OCD as a medical condition and the people who experience it. Generally by using medically appropriative language, we are invalidating the existences of people with OCD, minimising their experiences, perpetuating violence against people who experience mental or psychological disabilities. Using this language perpetuates those systems and language of harm, regardless of our intent.

## Usage Tip

Be more specific. Typically we can find an alternate definition by simply reflecting on what emotion we're really feeling. In this case, be particularly aware if the behaviour is actually unwanted or uncontrollable.

html:
<p>a mental illness usually embodied by unwanted repeated thoughts (obsession) coupled with repeated behaviour, routine, or action (compulsion)</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>OCD is commonly misused to highlight personality quirks or fussiness, usually involving a preference for order or cleanliness. Use of 'OCD' as a noun or adjective in this manner diminishes the actual condition, resulting in reductive and over-normalised perception of a someone with these specific mental or psychiatric disabilities.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>By conflating arbitrary quirks or behaviours with OCD, we are invalidating OCD as a medical condition and the people who experience it. Generally by using medically appropriative language, we are invalidating the existences of people with OCD, minimising their experiences, perpetuating violence against people who experience mental or psychological disabilities. Using this language perpetuates those systems and language of harm, regardless of our intent.</p>
<h2>Usage Tip</h2>
<p>Be more specific. Typically we can find an alternate definition by simply reflecting on what emotion we're really feeling. In this case, be particularly aware if the behaviour is actually unwanted or uncontrollable.</p>

alt_words:
["conscientious", "exact", "fastidious", "fussy", "meticulous", "nitpicky", "particular", "precise", "quirky", "thorough"]


_id: 1f3aa697b96740f67309b2434ebcd9909a1fce30
_path: ok-hand.md
title: 👌 [ok-hand]
slug: ok-hand
flag: {"text": "Racist Symbol", "level": "avoid"}
speech: noun
alt_words: ["\ud83d\udc4d", "\ud83c\udd97", "good", "okay", "or omit"]
text:
hand gesture where right thumb and right index finger form a circle, remaining fingers fan out; in American Sign Language, gesture means number nine; in diving, gesture indicates “OK” as question or confirmation; gesture is used in an innocuous children's game called “[The Circle Game](https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/wj8e74/searching-for-the-man-behind-the-circle-game),” where the gesture is held low—if another child looks at it, they get punched.

In 2017, the hand gesture was [appropriated by White Supremacists on 4chan](https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ok-symbol-%F0%9F%91%8C) to mean White Power (the three fingers forming at 'W' and thumb and index forming the circle of the 'P'). It was framed as a hoax to "own" Leftists through trickery and [gaslighting](/definitions/gaslighting).

The hand gesture has been used by White Supremacists as a dogwhistle to identify other White Supremacists [at rallies](https://mashable.com/article/milo-yiannopoulos-banned-from-furry-convention/), [in forums](https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2018/09/18/ok-sign-white-power-symbol-or-just-right-wing-troll), and even [at court hearings](https://nypost.com/2019/03/15/suspected-new-zealand-shooter-appears-in-court/). In 2019, the hand gesture was added to the [Anti-Defamation League's list of official symbols of hate](https://www.adl.org/news/press-releases/ok-and-other-alt-right-memes-and-slogans-added-to-adls-hate-symbols-database).

## Issues

While it can be argued that the symbol's origins and many of its uses do not imply racist connotations, and that the 4chan-ers "framed it as a hoax," it is undeniable that the symbol has evolved and become a gesture used sincerely by white supremacists.

The uncertainty created by the 4chan-ers is a critical part of their strategy. The strategy employs plausible deniability: Because they self-identified it as a hoax, they can fall back on that explanation. Meanwhile, if people begin to adapt the symbol, as they did, it becomes a dogwhistle for White Supremacists. It should be noted that this approach of indoctrinating symbols of hate is one long-documented, and [used for the Swastika as well](https://theconversation.com/how-nazis-twisted-the-swastika-into-a-symbol-of-hate-83020).

## Impact

The people most vulnerable to the oppressive impact of White Supremacy will never know for certain if the symbol is being used in one of its non-violent manners or if it's being used in its racist violent manners. The oppressed must choose the option that protects them, which is typically erring on the side of caution.

Continuing to use the symbol with its non-hateful connotations to "take it back," does not eliminate its pervasive new meaning associated with White Supremacy. Instead, continuing usage only perpetuates emotional and psychological harm upon the most vulnerable and susceptible populations.

html:
<p>hand gesture where right thumb and right index finger form a circle, remaining fingers fan out; in American Sign Language, gesture means number nine; in diving, gesture indicates “OK” as question or confirmation; gesture is used in an innocuous children's game called “<a href="https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/wj8e74/searching-for-the-man-behind-the-circle-game">The Circle Game</a>,” where the gesture is held low—if another child looks at it, they get punched.</p>
<p>In 2017, the hand gesture was <a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/ok-symbol-%F0%9F%91%8C">appropriated by White Supremacists on 4chan</a> to mean White Power (the three fingers forming at 'W' and thumb and index forming the circle of the 'P'). It was framed as a hoax to "own" Leftists through trickery and <a href="/definitions/gaslighting">gaslighting</a>.</p>
<p>The hand gesture has been used by White Supremacists as a dogwhistle to identify other White Supremacists <a href="https://mashable.com/article/milo-yiannopoulos-banned-from-furry-convention/">at rallies</a>, <a href="https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2018/09/18/ok-sign-white-power-symbol-or-just-right-wing-troll">in forums</a>, and even <a href="https://nypost.com/2019/03/15/suspected-new-zealand-shooter-appears-in-court/">at court hearings</a>. In 2019, the hand gesture was added to the <a href="https://www.adl.org/news/press-releases/ok-and-other-alt-right-memes-and-slogans-added-to-adls-hate-symbols-database">Anti-Defamation League's list of official symbols of hate</a>.</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>While it can be argued that the symbol's origins and many of its uses do not imply racist connotations, and that the 4chan-ers "framed it as a hoax," it is undeniable that the symbol has evolved and become a gesture used sincerely by white supremacists.</p>
<p>The uncertainty created by the 4chan-ers is a critical part of their strategy. The strategy employs plausible deniability: Because they self-identified it as a hoax, they can fall back on that explanation. Meanwhile, if people begin to adapt the symbol, as they did, it becomes a dogwhistle for White Supremacists. It should be noted that this approach of indoctrinating symbols of hate is one long-documented, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-nazis-twisted-the-swastika-into-a-symbol-of-hate-83020">used for the Swastika as well</a>.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>The people most vulnerable to the oppressive impact of White Supremacy will never know for certain if the symbol is being used in one of its non-violent manners or if it's being used in its racist violent manners. The oppressed must choose the option that protects them, which is typically erring on the side of caution.</p>
<p>Continuing to use the symbol with its non-hateful connotations to "take it back," does not eliminate its pervasive new meaning associated with White Supremacy. Instead, continuing usage only perpetuates emotional and psychological harm upon the most vulnerable and susceptible populations.</p>


_id: 293cef932ff076bd06ad9bdf0080972cc273ac93
_path: pansexual.md
text: someone who is sexually attracted to people regardless of their gender, or to people of any gender.
title: Pansexual
slug: pan-sexual
speech: adj
html:
<p>someone who is sexually attracted to people regardless of their gender, or to people of any gender.</p>

reading:
[{"text": "Pansexuality and Being Pansexual: Everything You Need to Know", "href": "https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-pansexuality"}]


_id: c48c841bb0219caf02fbf4509c17fb73771231e2
_path: performative-allyship.md
title: performative allyship
slug: performative-allyship
flag: {"level": "tool", "text": "White Supremacy Tool"}
speech: noun
text:
when an individual or group of power/majority/privilege (e.g., white, male, abled, unqueer, etc) loudly profess(es) their actions in the name of 'allyship,' while actively conducting harm to, taking focus away from, and generally being unhelpful towards the group they claim to support, often to receive praise and attention, without taking critical action to dismantle the systems of harm.

## Impact

Performative allyship detracts from the stories of the oppressed and the impact that oppression has on them in favour of the stories of the oppressors and their intent to help. The cost of performative allyship can also be that the stories of the oppressed people are appropriated, watered down, and inaccurately retold by people who should not be telling those stories.

html:
<p>when an individual or group of power/majority/privilege (e.g., white, male, abled, unqueer, etc) loudly profess(es) their actions in the name of 'allyship,' while actively conducting harm to, taking focus away from, and generally being unhelpful towards the group they claim to support, often to receive praise and attention, without taking critical action to dismantle the systems of harm.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>Performative allyship detracts from the stories of the oppressed and the impact that oppression has on them in favour of the stories of the oppressors and their intent to help. The cost of performative allyship can also be that the stories of the oppressed people are appropriated, watered down, and inaccurately retold by people who should not be telling those stories.</p>

reading:
[{"text": "Are you practicing performative allyship?", "href": "http://affinitymagazine.us/2017/07/09/are-you-practicing-performative-allyship/"}, {"text": "Is This Your Queen? Ellen Pompeo, Growth and Performative White Allyship", "href": "https://www.theroot.com/is-this-your-queen-ellen-pompeo-growth-and-performati-1830593400"}, {"text": "Performative allyship: what it is, what it looks like, and why we want to avoid it.", "href": "https://www.scarymommy.com/performative-allyship-what-it-is-what-it-looks-like-and-why-we-want-to-avoid-it/"}]


_id: 3908644023eb3f2c6341baa669ea901ccd41f5a1
_path: polyamory.md
title: Polyamory
slug: polyamory
speech: noun
text:
belief that romantic and/or sexual exclusivity is not necessary for a happy, committed relationship; an umbrella term for various types of relationships (coded as romantic or quasi-romantic, sexual or non-sexual) where all partners involved consent to ethical non-monogamy, such as polycules, throuples, group marriages, etc.

## Note

One can be polyamorous despite currently being single or in a monogamous relationship.

html:
<p>belief that romantic and/or sexual exclusivity is not necessary for a happy, committed relationship; an umbrella term for various types of relationships (coded as romantic or quasi-romantic, sexual or non-sexual) where all partners involved consent to ethical non-monogamy, such as polycules, throuples, group marriages, etc.</p>
<h2>Note</h2>
<p>One can be polyamorous despite currently being single or in a monogamous relationship.</p>

reading:
[{"text": "My definition of polyamory", "href": "https://avris.it/blog/my-definition-of-polyamory"}, {"text": "Poly Glossary", "href": "https://www.polymatchmaker.com/main.mvc?Screen=HTML&Page=polyglossary"}, {"text": "http://polyliving.net/", "href": "http://polyliving.net/"}]


_id: 3392dd6714589acfc599bf33827f50b59ff91272
_path: prophylaxis.md
title: Prophylaxis
slug: prophylaxis
sub_terms:
[{"text": "Pre-exposure (PreEP)", "full_title": "Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PreEP)"}, {"text": "Post-exposure (PreEP)", "full_title": "Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)"}]


_id: 9a2df5c63f7980e5344b02219c4520e444cdc8ef
_path: race.md
title: Race
slug: race
sub_terms:
[{"text": "Racial", "full_title": "Racial"}, {"text": "Contract", "full_title": "Race Contract"}, {"text": "Formation", "full_title": "Racial Formation"}, {"text": "State", "full_title": "Racial State"}, {"text": "Raciology", "full_title": "Raciology"}]


_id: c5974166a1e76f46edf807d113222f24b861ea6e
_path: sexual.md
title: Sexual
slug: sexual
sub_terms:
[{"text": "Bi-", "full_title": "Bisexual"}, {"text": "Pan-", "full_title": "Pansexual"}, {"text": "assault of a minor", "full_title": "assault of a minor"}, {"text": "Orientation", "full_title": "Sexual Orientation"}]


_id: 44db77d9c6ac9bf8861d736011e23d2c0ed644a7
_path: spaz.md
title: Spaz
slug: spaz
flag: {"text": "Ableist Slur", "level": "avoid"}
speech: noun
alt_words: ["hyper", "anxious", "jumpy", "unable to focus"]
text:
irrationally nervous person; hyperactive

## Issues

The origin of the word “Spaz” is a shortened version of “Spastic.” Spastic refers to an alteration in muscle tone affected by the medical condition spasticity, which is seen in spastic diplegia and many other forms of cerebral palsy.

## Impact

By using ableist language, we are perpetuating violence against people who experience mental or psychological disabilities. Using this language perpetuates those systems and language of harm, regardless of our intent.

## Usage Tip

Be more specific. Typically we can find an alternate definition by simply reflecting on what emotion we're really feeling.

html:
<p>irrationally nervous person; hyperactive</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>The origin of the word “Spaz” is a shortened version of “Spastic.” Spastic refers to an alteration in muscle tone affected by the medical condition spasticity, which is seen in spastic diplegia and many other forms of cerebral palsy.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>By using ableist language, we are perpetuating violence against people who experience mental or psychological disabilities. Using this language perpetuates those systems and language of harm, regardless of our intent.</p>
<h2>Usage Tip</h2>
<p>Be more specific. Typically we can find an alternate definition by simply reflecting on what emotion we're really feeling.</p>


_id: e669ee2c57ee83682e80ef09fe6f9b7614f677b4
_path: trans.md
title: Trans
slug: trans
sub_terms:
[{"text": "-femme", "full_title": "Trans-Femme"}, {"text": "-gender", "full_title": "Transgender"}, {"text": "man", "full_title": "Trans Man"}, {"text": "masculine", "full_title": "Transmasculine"}, {"text": "phobia", "full_title": "Transphobia"}, {"text": "woman", "full_title": "Trans Woman"}]


_id: 5d54b2f44e886de17faafbe240e2fcc9a0169390
_path: transgender.md
title: Transgender
slug: transgender
speech: adj
text:
of, relating to, or characterised by a gender that does not match the gender they were assigned at birth.

The opposite of [cisgender](/definitions/cisgender).

html:
<p>of, relating to, or characterised by a gender that does not match the gender they were assigned at birth.</p>
<p>The opposite of <a href="/definitions/cisgender">cisgender</a>.</p>


_id: 299ac06a898adaba2c4ab020841c21ca068db409
_path: white-fragility.md
title: White Fragility
slug: white-fragility
flag: {"level": "tool", "text": "White Supremacy Tool"}
speech: noun
text:
the tendency for dominant white culture to respond to racism with defensive, dismissive, and angry responses; “a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves.” (Robin DiAngelo).

## Impact

White fragility detracts from critical conversations about the systemic oppressors at play. The cost of white fragility is that it centres the feelings of white people while ignoring and invalidating the systemic harm conducted towards people of colour. White fragility also prevents white people from doing anti-racist work to unpack their socially internalised racism.

html:
<p>the tendency for dominant white culture to respond to racism with defensive, dismissive, and angry responses; “a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves.” (Robin DiAngelo).</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>White fragility detracts from critical conversations about the systemic oppressors at play. The cost of white fragility is that it centres the feelings of white people while ignoring and invalidating the systemic harm conducted towards people of colour. White fragility also prevents white people from doing anti-racist work to unpack their socially internalised racism.</p>

reading:
[{"text": "White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo", "href": "https://robindiangelo.com/publications/"}, {"text": "White Fragility tag on The Root", "href": "https://www.theroot.com/tag/white-fragility"}]


_id: dbcbe8876546a0b7675811cb3e84f63fcb1aede5
_path: white.md
title: White
slug: white
sub_terms:
[{"text": "Feminism", "full_title": "White Feminism"}, {"text": "Fragility", "full_title": "White Fragility"}, {"text": "-ness", "full_title": "Whiteness"}, {"text": "Supremacy", "full_title": "White Supremacy"}, {"text": "Woman Tears", "full_title": "White Woman Tears"}, {"text": "People (WP)", "full_title": "White People (WP)"}, {"text": "Woman (WP)", "full_title": "White Woman (WP)"}]


_id: 4361fe8176312bc3439b4f3ce8db1dacc2f38bbc
_path: women-and-people-of-colour.md
title: women and people of colour
slug: women-and-people-of-colour
flag: {"level": "avoid"}
speech: noun
text:
often used as a phrase to encompass “non-white, non-men,” seeking to provide solidarity for these two groups

## Issues

What happens to women of colour? As a woman of colour, I am split between both women and people of colour.

## Impact

As such, it elicits feelings of erasure for women of colour. It also neglects [non-binary](/definitions/non-binary) individuals.

html:
<p>often used as a phrase to encompass “non-white, non-men,” seeking to provide solidarity for these two groups</p>
<h2>Issues</h2>
<p>What happens to women of colour? As a woman of colour, I am split between both women and people of colour.</p>
<h2>Impact</h2>
<p>As such, it elicits feelings of erasure for women of colour. It also neglects <a href="/definitions/non-binary">non-binary</a> individuals.</p>

alt_words:
["people of colour and white women", "people of colour", "white non-binary people, and white women", "find ways to reframe why this dynamic exists", "or omit"]


