politically correct

[puh-lit-ik-lee kuh-rekt]

adjective

1. marked by or adhering to a typically progressive orthodoxy on issues involving especially ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or ecology: The CEO feels that people who care about being politically correct are overly sensitive. PC, P.C.

   The actor’s comment about unattractive women was not politically correct.

   The CEO feels that people who care about being politically correct are overly sensitive.

politically correct

adjective

1. PC. demonstrating progressive ideals, esp by avoiding vocabulary that is considered offensive, discriminatory, or judgmental, esp concerning race and gender

Other Word Forms

• political correctness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of politically correct¹

1790–95 (in the sense “in accordance with established norms”); 1970–75 for the more recent meaning, which evolved from earlier Communist uses in the 1920s

Idioms and Phrases

Also, PC or p.c. Showing an effort to make broad social and political changes to redress injustices caused by prejudice. It often involves changing or avoiding language that might offend anyone, especially with respect to gender, race, or ethnic background. For example, Editors of major papers have sent out numerous directives concerning politically correct language. This expression was born in the late 1900s, and excesses in trying to conform to its philosophy gave rise to humorous parodies.

Related Words

• PC 

When To Use

What does politically correct mean?

Being politically correct, or PC for short, is saying or doing things in ways that will not cause offense regarding race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other aspects of identity.Some people criticize PC culture as being too sensitive and fragile.How is politically correct pronounced?[ puh-li-tik-lee kuh-rekt ] or [ pee-see ]What are other forms of politically correct?

• PC



• political correctness

What are some other words related to politically correct?

• safe space



• triggered