politically correct
Americanadjective
adjective
Usage
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
Other Word Forms
- political correctness noun
Etymology
Origin of politically correct
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I know it’s not politically correct. You’ll say, ‘Oh, so terrible.’
From Los Angeles Times
The outspoken singer acknowledged that she wants to be "more politically correct" and "way more knowledgeable" about certain subjects, but still thinks reporters should lay off a little.
From Salon
The words are as famous as her, although she now muses, “Today I’m not even sure that it’s politically correct to say that.”
From Los Angeles Times
Daub spoke with Salon about his book and whether it's "politically correct" to want your bánh mì to taste like a real bánh mì.
From Salon
Language once considered hostile has become common, sometimes precisely because it runs counter to politically correct sensibilities.
From New York Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
