The term PC is an abbreviation for politically correct. It refers to the use of words and phrases that have no connection to someone’s race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or other personal characteristics. The term was coined by feminists and first used in the 1970s.

PC became popular during the 1980s when it came to light that many organizations used language that was offensive to certain groups. For example, a company could have an employee handbook with rules about what kind of language employees should not use at work (such as calling each other “boy” or “girl”). A person who uses this type of language would be considered “politically incorrect.”

In recent years, people have become more sensitive about using PC language because some words may be considered offensive even though they were meant innocently when they were first used. For example, the phrase “that’s so gay” can mean something bad but it also refers to homosexuality. So some people now consider it offensive even though it wasn’t intended as such when someone first said it.

Last modified: October 2, 2022