content warning

American  

[kon-tent wawr-ning] / ˈkɒn tɛnt ˌwɔr nɪŋ /

noun

1. a stated warning that the content of the immediately following text, video, etc., may upset or offend some people: CW

   Gee, thanks for the content warning for snakes, but it didn’t stop me from seeing those pictures on my Instagram timeline.

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Etymology

Origin of content warning

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

A university has issued a content warning for a literature module featuring Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, warning students it contains "distressing" material.

From BBC

A university spokesperson said the content warning "enables students to make an informed decision before choosing the module".

From BBC

"The content warning is intended to warn students that they may find some of the themes in these historic texts distressing and provide an opportunity to discuss concerns with the module leader."

From BBC

Sophie read Wuthering Heights when she was 12 and said she didn't feel like it needed a content warning but understood why it might be appropriate for some.

From BBC

The new video game Content Warning pushes that do-anything-for-fame premise to a madly meta extreme.

From New York Times