problematic language
[prə-ˈblä-mə-tik ˈlang-gwij]
noun phrasepl: problematic languages
linguagem problemática
1. Language, expressions, or terminology that is offensive, inappropriate, outdated, or considered harmful to specific groups, often due to stereotypes, slurs, or insensitive connotations
The company removed problematic language from its product documentation that contained outdated gender stereotypes.
A empresa removeu a linguagem problemática de sua documentação que continha estereótipos de gênero desatualizados.
2. Speech or writing that is ambiguous, unclear, or logically inconsistent in a way that creates confusion or misunderstanding
The contract was rejected due to problematic language that could be interpreted in multiple ways.
O contrato foi rejeitado devido à linguagem problemática que poderia ser interpretada de várias formas.
3. In academic and social contexts, language that reflects or perpetuates harmful biases, discrimination, or exclusionary attitudes
The professor addressed problematic language used in the historical text during class discussion.
O professor abordou a linguagem problemática usada no texto histórico durante a discussão em sala.
This term has become increasingly prominent in both Brazilian and American contexts since the 2010s, particularly in corporate diversity initiatives, educational institutions, and social media discourse. In Brazil, the concept is often discussed under 'inclusão' (inclusion) and 'diversidade' (diversity) frameworks. In the USA, it's closely tied to contemporary social justice movements and discussions around 'political correctness' and 'cancel culture.' The term can be contentious, with supporters viewing it as necessary for creating inclusive spaces and critics viewing it as limiting free speech.
NYC Slang
sus language / problematic speech
Related Idioms & Phrases
call out problematic language
address problematic language
problematic language has no place in...
remove problematic language
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