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

Elsewhere, Erivo details instances of racism and microaggressions she’s faced in professional spaces.

Read more on Salon

As an adult, it was in the form of what he called "microaggressions" - being asked "where are you really from?" - where the intent behind the words is difficult to prove.

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He sought to persuade his editor at Merriam-Webster to consider terms newly in vogue such as “safe space” and “microaggression.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So it’s how can we dovetail the microaggressions that you had mentioned before, his journey, his role in leadership, and also the showmanship this man has.

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"It could something as like a joke. It could microaggressions."

Read more on BBC