It’s 2021 and with so much so-called progress within our species as humans, our language has developed along the way, as well. I came up with a few words and phrases that were common in the last 20 to 30 years that are not quite acceptable in today’s American society.
These are just a few that I thought of on my own. If you feel comfortable sharing more, comment below.
Wigger – I remember this one from the late 80s. It was a term used for a white person dressed like a black person. Back then it meant baggy clothes, Nikes, gold chains, etc.
Indian Style – This was a way to sit on the floor, legs crossed. Now a popular phrase used instead is “criss-cross applesauce.” Indian style is considered offensive in 2021.
Indian giver – I haven’t heard this phrase in a long, long time, but it was used when a person gave something to someone (as a gift, usually) then took it back.
Transvestite – This was a term used for a person who dressed like the opposite sex. Typically it represented a man dressing like a woman. Now, with folks claiming there are a million genders, what does “opposite sex” even mean? Terms like trans-gender and trans-sexual have taken it’s place as less offensive.
Boob tube – I added this one because, well, I haven’t heard it in a while and maybe that’s because it’s offensive to women, somehow. Also, with TVs becoming very high-tech and used in many different ways (broadcast, streaming, gaming, etc), it’s not much associated with the original thought that “boob tube” means: mindless activity for the mindless masses.
What else could be added to this list? Are there phrases or words still being used today that SHOULD be relegated to the past? Chime in below, and as always, thanks for stopping by!
-Out of the Wilderness
Out of the Wilderness 