microaggression
Americannoun
-
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."
-
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.
Etymology
Origin of microaggression
First recorded in 1970; coined by psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce (1927–2016); micro- + aggression
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There is a vast difference between a lynching and a microaggression, but that difference seems to sometimes get blurred on college campuses.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 9, 2023
"That is a linguistic microaggression, and it is a clear example of why understanding language and culture is in fact critically important to DEI work."
From Salon ● Sep. 2, 2022
Each microaggression chips at Jasmine and Gail’s resolve and enthusiasm to macro effect, giving “Master” its heartbreakingly pessimistic undertow.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2022
Perhaps characteristically, rather than dwell on the microaggression, Pendleton made it the prompt for his broad inquiry into how easily the social urge to categorize takes root and constrains hard-won freedoms.
From New York Times ● Sep. 10, 2021
It then cuts to a series of students mentioning a microaggression.
From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
