Words You Can Use or Lose
Recognize that you will never make 100% of your colleagues happy with your word choices. Pick a few
words/phrases that you are willing to change, thus showing your desire to connect with and respect others who
differ from you.
Insensitive Words And Phrases
Alternatives
Black sheep in the family
Outcast
“Guys” (when referring to a mixed
group)
Friends; folks
You people
You
Oriental (when referring to people)
Asian (using the specific
nationality, i.e. Korean is even
better, when possible)
(Be specific)
That’s so gay
Girls (when referring to female
adults)
Policemen/Mailman/Fireman
Women
Calling a customer/client by first name
Use Mr./Ms. _Last Name____ until you
are granted permission to be more
familiar
Spouse or partner
Your husband/wife (when speaking in a
general context)
Police Officer/Mail Carrier/Fire Fighter
Handicapped
People with special needs;
physically/mentally challenged; people
with disabilities; people with limitations
Retarded
People/person with special needs
Gifted children
Advanced learners
Boy
Man; Sir; Gentleman
What does he know? He’s still wet
behind the ears!
He is new (or young); Be willing to
consider his ideas may improve the
workplace; be specific if he needs to
learn something.
Feel free to add to and duplicate this list. You have permission to use it for team discussions and as a learning and development
activity. Do not distribute without explanation, as some people will make it a joke. For more information about inclusion go to
www.UbuntuGlobal.com and blog: www.LenoraBillingsHarris.com
Words You Can Use or Lose
The little woman; the wife
Your wife; his wife, my wife
“Don’t go postal on me!”
Don’t lose your temper
Acting blonde
Acting mindlessly
Old people; Elderly
Seniors; mature
Bitchy
Aggressive/assertive
“White” lie
Lie (Calling it white does not make it
okay)
LGBTQ
(Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/
Queer or Questioning)
Homosexual
Church (when speaking in general
terms)
Jew down
Place of worship
You don’t sound Black!
Blacklisted
(That statement is not a compliment)
Be more specific.
Banned
“Manning” the project
Staffing the project
Yankee (as a negative description)
Northerner
Typical Mexicans!
Not all Latinos are Mexican. What’s
“typical?”
Negotiate
Click the QR Code for a detailed listing of derogatory terms and meanings
Feel free to add to and duplicate this list. You have permission to use it for team discussions and as a learning and development
activity. Do not distribute without explanation, as some people will make it a joke. For more information about inclusion go to
www.UbuntuGlobal.com and blog: www.LenoraBillingsHarris.com