An abbreviation for “politically correct.” It refers to social, political, and educational changes designed to redress historical injustices in areas such as race, gender, ethnic background, and sexual orientation: “Haven't you read the latest directive on p.c. language? Please refer to our colleagues as ‘women,’ not ‘ladies’ or ‘girls.’” The phrase and abbreviation, which also appears as PC, both debuted in the late twentieth century.
