white guilt

[ hwahyt gilt, wahyt ]

noun

1. the feelings of shame and remorse some white people experience when they recognize the legacy of racism and racial injustice and perceive the ways they have benefited from it.

Word History and Origins

Origin of white guilt¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Steve McQueen's acclaimed film is the new target of right-wingers who hate "white guilt" and love racial resentment.

From The Daily Beast

The two have paired up again for Please Give, a send-up of white guilt and privilege in these recession-plagued times.

From The Daily Beast

This new power is not based in manipulative ploys intended to set white guilt afire.

From The Daily Beast