Please be aware that these terms have a varying level of offense and may depend on the context in which the term is used.
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whitelist
Alternative: allow list, access list, permit
Category: Diversity
Context: Do not use the term "white list" (or "whitelist"), because there may be a perceived association with racial bias. Use alternate terms that do not perpetuate the stereotype of "black" as negative and "white" as positive.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitelisting -
blacklist
Alternative: deny list, deny, blocklist, exclude list
Category: Diversity
Context: Do not use the term "black list" (or "blacklist"), because there may be a perceived association with racial bias. Use alternate terms that do not perpetuate the stereotype of "black" as negative and "white" as positive.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacklist_(computing) -
master
Alternative: primary, main, default, leader
Category: Diversity
Context: Do not use master/slave in new code or content as this may be considered offensive language. It alludes to dominant practices and values that have perceived association with racial bias.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master/slave_(technology) -
slave
Alternative: replica, standby, secondary, follower
Category: Diversity
Context: Do not use master/slave in new code or content as this may be considered offensive language. It alludes to dominant practices and values that have perceived association with racial bias.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master/slave_(technology) -
minority, minorities
Alternative: marginalized groups, underrepresented groups, people of color
Category: Diversity
Context: Avoid using "minority" since the term does not include all marginalized groups. To refer to non-White racial and ethnic groups collectively, use terms such as “people of color” or “underrepresented groups” instead. The use of “minority” may be viewed pejoratively because it is usually equated with being less than, oppressed, or deficient in comparison with the majority.
Link: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/bias-free-language/racial-ethnic-minorities -
brownbag, brown bag
Alternative: learning session, lunch-and-learn, sack lunch
Category: Diversity
Context: Avoid language that may trigger historical stereotypes. Historically, 'brown bag' was used to determine if a person's skin color was light enough to allow admission to an event, a home, etc. Note: The connotation is associated with the phrase 'brown bag' rather than the color brown itself.
Link: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/theres-more-seattle-brown-bag-racial-controversy-meets-eye-flna6C10836263 -
white box, white-box
Alternative: open-box
Category: Diversity
Context: "Open box" provides a more practical description and illustration of this software testing discipline as well as an intentional departure from the racial connotations of "white box" and "black box" terminology. It decouples the exclusive and advanced knowledge characterized by testers from the term "white".
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-box_testing -
black box, black-box
Alternative: closed-box
Category: Diversity
Context: "Closed box" provides a more practical description and illustration of this software testing discipline as well as an intentional departure from the racial connotations of "white box" and "black box" terminology. It decouples the lack of knowledge of the system characterized by testers from the term "black".
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-box_testing -
culture fit
Alternative: values fit, cultural contribution
Category: Inclusion
Context: Avoid terms and practices that can lead to strict conformance to a dominant and accepted culture. Culture fit is used to support an improper or discriminatory motivation aimed at prejudicing those in a, or several, protected classes.
Link: https://buffer.com/resources/culture-fit/
https://www.hrdive.com/news/is-culture-fit-code-for-bias-recruiters-must-be-wary-experts-say/507272/ -
citizen
Alternative: resident, people
Category: Inclusion
Context: Be aware that not everyone is a citizen of the country they live in, so it is not appropriate in all contexts. Only use this term if you intend to refer specifically to a "citizen."
Link: https://content-guide.18f.gov/our-style/inclusive-language/ -
guys
Alternative: folks, you all, y'all, people, teammates, team
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid the gendered term "guys" when broadly referring to people that are not male. Utilize gender neutral communications to make all parties feel included and allow space for all identities.
Link: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gendered-language-hey-guys_l_5f21b189c5b6b8cd63b0f331 -
he/his/him, she/hers/her
Alternative: they/their(s)/them
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid gendered terms especially when assuming pronouns. Unless you know the individual's pronouns, utilize gender neutral communications allow space for all identities.
Link: https://developers.google.com/style/pronouns#gender-neutral-pronouns
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/they
https://www.englishgrammar.org/words-heshe-himher-hishers/ -
manpower, man hours
Alternative: human effort, person hours, engineer hours, work, workforce, personnel, team, workers
Category: Gendered term
Context: Utilize gender neutral communications whenever possible. In general, avoid gendered terms to make all parties feel included and allow space for all identities.
Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49036816 -
mankind
Alternative: people, humanity
Category: Gendered term
Context: Utilize gender neutral communications whenever possible. In general, avoid gendered terms to make all parties feel included and allow space for all identities.
Link: https://wmich.edu/writing/genderbias -
chairman, foreman
Alternative: chairperson, spokesperson, moderator, discussion leader, chair
Category: Gendered term
Context: Utilize gender neutral communications whenever possible. In general, avoid gendered terms to make all parties feel included and allow space for all identities.
Link: https://wmich.edu/writing/genderbias -
middleman
Alternative: middle person, intermediary, agent, dealer
Category: Gendered term
Context: Utilize gender neutral communications whenever possible. In general, avoid gendered terms to make all parties feel included and allow space for all identities.
Link: https://wmich.edu/writing/genderbias -
mother, father
Alternative: parent, caretaker, nurturer, guardian
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid gendered terms especially when assuming pronouns. Unless you know the individual's pronouns, utilize gender neutral communications allow space for all identities.
Link: https://wmich.edu/writing/genderbias -
mothering, fathering
Alternative: parenting, caretaking, caring, nurturing
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid gendered terms especially when assuming pronouns. Unless you know the individual's pronouns, utilize gender neutral communications allow space for all identities.
Link: https://wmich.edu/writing/genderbias -
wife, husband
Alternative: spouse, partner, significant other
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid gendered terms especially when assuming pronouns. Unless you know the individual's pronouns, utilize gender neutral communications allow space for all identities.
Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2020/07/08/how-to-use-gender-neutral-language-and-why-its-important-to-try/?sh=2ed89a8326ba -
boyfriend, girlfriend
Alternative: partner, significant other
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid gendered terms especially when assuming pronouns. Unless you know the individual's pronouns, utilize gender neutral communications allow space for all identities.
Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kimelsesser/2020/07/08/how-to-use-gender-neutral-language-and-why-its-important-to-try/?sh=2ed89a8326ba -
girl(s), boy(s)
Alternative: woman/women, man/men
Category: Gendered term, Ageism
Context: Avoid using "girl" or "boy" when being used to describe an individual 18 years or over, as it can be belittling. Use "woman" or "man" instead.
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/27/is-the-word-girl-offensive -
female, male
Alternative: woman/women, man/men
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid using "female" or "male" as it scientifically reduces a woman or man to their reproductive capabilities, rather than their identity. Use "woman" or "man" instead.
Link: https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/gender_law/2017/11/why-you-should-stop-using-the-word-female-.html -
mom test
Alternative: user test
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid using "mom test" which has sexist and ageist connotations. The term has been used to describe putting a product in front of unfamiliar visitors to learn more how they would use it. The assumption is that if such a person can use a program, anyone can.
Link: https://geekfeminism.wikia.org/wiki/So_simple,_your_mother_could_do_it
https://content-guide.18f.gov/our-style/inclusive-language/
https://buffer.com/resources/inclusive-language-tech/ -
girlfriend test
Alternative: user test
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid using "girlfriend test" which have sexist connotations. The term has been used to describe putting a product in front of unfamiliar visitors to learn more how they would use it. The assumption is that if such a person can use a program, anyone can.
Link: https://content-guide.18f.gov/our-style/inclusive-language/
https://buffer.com/resources/inclusive-language-tech/ -
ninja
Alternative: professional
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid since it is skewed to a particular gender.
Link: https://learn.joinhandshake.com/employers/70-inclusive-language-principles-that-will-make-you-a-more-successful-recruiter/ -
rockstar
Alternative: professional
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid since it is skewed to a particular gender.
Link: https://learn.joinhandshake.com/employers/70-inclusive-language-principles-that-will-make-you-a-more-successful-recruiter/ -
housekeeping
Alternative: maintenance, cleanup, preparation
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid since it is skewed to a particular gender. Consider using "maintenance" instead. When "housekeeping" is used in reference to office work, this language can feel gendered. Use of inclusive terms allow space for everyone’s identities.
Link: https://buffer.com/resources/inclusive-language-tech/ -
opposite sex
Alternative: different sex
Category: Gendered term
Context: Avoid binary gender terms, since gender can be placed on a spectrum. By avoiding binaries, we include all identities.
Link: https://content-guide.18f.gov/our-style/inclusive-language/ -
grandfathered in, grandfathered
Alternative:
Category: Ageism
Context: Consider using a neutral alternative such as "exempt." Historical context of "grandfathered" alludes to disenfranchisement in the United States of black Americans. It was used to allow white men to vote as long as their lineal ancestor (i.e., grandfather) had been a registered voter before 1867.
Link: https://history.howstuffworks.com/american-civil-war/grandfathered-in.htm -
old
Alternative: --
Category: Ageism
Context: Avoid using age in a derogatory context. Negative connotation can be associated with terms related to old age.
Link: https://consciousstyleguide.com/age/
https://content-guide.18f.gov/our-style/inclusive-language/ -
young
Alternative: --
Category: Ageism
Context: Avoid using age in a derogatory context. Negative connotation can be associated with terms related to young age.
Link: https://consciousstyleguide.com/age/
https://content-guide.18f.gov/our-style/inclusive-language/ -
normal
Alternative: typical, expected, healthy
Category: Accessibility
Context: Avoid using term "normal" since referring to persons without disabilities as normal, healthy, accessible or other such term may be offensive to people with disabilities as it insinuates that they are not normal or otherwise healthy. In the past, terms used to describe people with disabilities were often inaccurate, and sometimes even belittling and derogatory.
Link: http://www.mauracullen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/How-Being-Polite-Can-Be-Insensitive-to-People-with-Disabilities.pdf -
midget
Alternative: little person, short stature, person with dwarfism
Category: Accessibility
Context: The term “midget” is considered outdated and derogatory when referring to those with shorter heights or the medical condition, dwarfism. The Little People of America organization recommends using the descriptors "short stature," "little person" or "person with dwarfism."
Link: https://www.diversitystyleguide.com/glossary/dwarf-little-person-midget-short-stature/ -
crazy
Alternative: unexpected, unpredictable, surprising
Category: Accessibility
Context: Avoid using as these terms are commonly used informally to denote mental instability or mental illness but can be considered offensive. The repeated use perpetuates stigma and belittles mental condition that can make it more difficult for people to seek treatment.
Link: https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-blog/2018/september/that-crazy-why-you-might-want-to-rethink-that-word-in-your-vocabulary
https://content-guide.18f.gov/our-style/inclusive-language/ -
insane
Alternative: unexpected, unpredictable, surprising
Category: Accessibility
Context: Avoid using as these terms are commonly used informally to denote mental instability or mental illness but can be considered offensive. The repeated use perpetuates stigma and belittles mental condition that can make it more difficult for people to seek treatment.
Link: https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-blog/2018/september/that-crazy-why-you-might-want-to-rethink-that-word-in-your-vocabulary
https://content-guide.18f.gov/our-style/inclusive-language/ -
freak(y)
Alternative: unexpected, unpredictable, surprising
Category: Accessibility
Context: Avoid using as these terms are commonly used informally to denote mental instability or mental illness but can be considered offensive. The repeated use perpetuates stigma and belittles mental condition that can make it more difficult for people to seek treatment.
Link: https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-blog/2018/september/that-crazy-why-you-might-want-to-rethink-that-word-in-your-vocabulary
https://content-guide.18f.gov/our-style/inclusive-language/ -
tone deaf
Alternative: oblivious
Category: Accessibility
Context: Be aware that "tone deaf" refers to having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste. It may be offensive for those that have hearing loss or impairment.
Link: https://www.thereadyset.co/blog/disability-justice-in-the-workplace -
blind spot
Alternative: dead spot, unseen area
Category: Accessibility
Context: Be aware that "blind spot" has a negative connotation with lack of wisdom or inability to exercise judgment. It may cause offense to those that have loss of sight or impairment.
Link: https://content-guide.18f.gov/our-style/inclusive-language/ -
OCD
Alternative: organized, detail-oriented
Category: Accessibility
Context: Unless if used in the correct context, be aware that the incorrect use of the term “OCD” trivializes the mental illness. It can make it more difficult for people to seek treatment or can belittle their condition.
Link: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mental-illness-comics_n_58d17809e4b0ec9d29e00bc9 -
depressed/depressing
Alternative: sad/saddening, upset/upsetting
Category: Accessibility
Context: Unless if used in the correct context, be aware that the incorrect use of term “depressed” trivializes the mental illness. It can make it more difficult for people to seek treatment or can belittle their condition.
Link: https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2018/05/29/mental-health-awareness-month-jane-roper -
handicap/handicapped
Alternative: person with a disability
Category: Accessibility
Context: By using a more accessible phrase like "person with disability" you avoid defining the person by their disabilities. Discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities reflects the dominant attitudes in society that assume that some characteristics are better than others and excludes people with disabilities.
Link: https://ncdj.org/style-guide/ -
disabled
Alternative: person with a disability
Category: Accessibility
Context: Using the term "disabled" describes the person by their disabilities. By using a more accessible phrase like "person with disability" you avoid defining the person by their disabilities. Discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities reflects the dominant attitudes in society that assume that some characteristics are better than others and excludes people with disabilities.
Link: https://ncdj.org/style-guide/ -
cripple/crippled
Alternative: person with a disability
Category: Accessibility
Context: By using a more accessible phrase like "person with disability" you avoid defining the person by their disabilities. Discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities reflects the dominant attitudes in society that assume that some characteristics are better than others and excludes people with disabilities.
Link: https://ncdj.org/style-guide/ -
sanity check
Alternative: quick check, confidence check, coherence check
Category: Accessibility
Context: Avoid using terms like "sane" and "sanity" as it perpetuates the societal stigma of the preferred condition of sanity, while excluding those who suffer mental instability and mental illness. Furthermore, discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities reflects the dominant attitudes in society that assume that some characteristics are better than others and excludes people with disabilities.
Link: https://ncdj.org/style-guide/ -
sane
Alternative: correct, adequate, sufficient, valid, sensible, coherent
Category: Accessibility
Context: Avoid using terms like "sane" and "sanity" as it perpetuates the societal stigma of the preferred condition of sanity, while excluding those who suffer mental instability and mental illness. Furthermore, discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities reflects the dominant attitudes in society that assume that some characteristics are better than others and excludes people with disabilities.
Link: https://ncdj.org/style-guide/ -
retard
Alternative: person with disabilities, mentally limited
Category: Accessibility
Context: The terms “mentally retarded,” “retard” and “mental retardation” were once common terms that are now considered outdated and offensive. In 2010, President Barack Obama signed a measure known as “Rosa’s Law” that replaced the term “mental retardation” with intellectual disability in many areas of government, including federal law.
Link: https://ncdj.org/style-guide/
http://www.mauracullen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/How-Being-Polite-Can-Be-Insensitive-to-People-with-Disabilities.pdf -
dummy value
Alternative: placeholder value, sample value, design value
Category: Accessibility
Context: Be aware that for people with mental illness commonly used terms like "dummy" can perpetuate negative stigma of otherness and inferiority. Try using a neutral or descriptive term instead.
Link: https://developers.google.com/style/word-list