Appropriate language – A Guide 2015
South Somerset District Council
Appropriate Language
A Guide for Councillors and
Officers
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Appropriate language – A Guide 2015
Introduction
If South Somerset District Council (SSDC) is truly going to demonstrate respect,
understanding and fairness, promote discrimination and tackle exclusion, we
need to ensure that the language we use is consistent with those intentions.
This means not only avoiding words or phrases that offend, but also proactively
using language that is inclusive of others. SSDC expects everyone to respect the
views and feelings of others and to use language that neither offends nor
excludes, internally or otherwise.
Communication
Communication takes many forms. The words we use should give a clear
message to everyone we deal with that we value diversity and respect individual
differences.
All communication has an impact on the recipient, and may be remembered for a
very long time. The language used and the tone in which it is delivered, can have
an effect on the recipient’s perception of the service and may be repeated to
other people.
The use of discriminatory, prejudicial or exclusive language whether intentional or
not may suggest insensitivity to individual needs and a lack of professionalism
and encourages the exclusion, devaluing and stereotyping of groups or
individuals.
Inappropriate language does not necessarily mean that we are being accused of
being racist, sexist, homophobic, and the like. What it does mean is that we need
re-examine our choice of words and be more sensitive to the potential to cause
offence to others through words and phrases we use.
We recognize that it may be difficult for some people to learn not to use certain
words or phrases that have become part of their everyday vocabulary through
their common usage over a period of time. It can be difficult to develop new
habits of speech and writing.
The term ‘political correctness’ is often used as an excuse, a criticism or an
accusation by people unwilling or unable to take responsibility for their actions.
SSDC is not seeking to achieve political correctness but we do want to achieve
professional appropriateness.
Sex and Language
The Equality Act 2010 applies to men and women. It is more appropriate to use
gender neutral language.
Avoid
Chairman
Policeman, Fireman, Spokesman,
Foreman, Workmen
Schoolboy, schoolgirl
Use
Chair
Police Officer, Firefighter,
Spokesperson, Supervisor, Workers
Student, pupil
Devaluing terminology
The use of trivialising or degrading expressions to define women and men is
not appropriate.
 Adult females should be referred to as women and not as ‘girls’
 Adult males should be referred to as men and not ‘boys’
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Appropriate language – A Guide 2015


Not all women find the term ‘lady’ as acceptable
The terms ‘love’, ‘pet’, ‘dear’ may be considered unacceptable by some
women. (Although intended as terms of endearment, they can be seen
as devaluing or trivialising women)
Forms of address
The use of ‘Miss’, ‘Mrs’ or ‘Ms’ should be based on preference. Ask rather
than assume if possible. If writing to someone whose status is unknown, use
‘To whom it may concern’ or ‘Dear Sir/Madam’
Lifestyle assumptions
It should not be assumed that anyone is necessarily in a relationship at all, in
a relationship with the opposite or same sex, or that they are married.
If it is known that they are married, referring to their ‘husband’ or ‘wife’ is
acceptable. If it is not known, referring to their ‘partner’ is a more appropriate
alternative.
Transsexual, Transgendered (Trans)
Most Trans people wish to live as members of the gender with which they
identify, and they are entitled to do so by law.
Avoid
Queer, Fruit, Homo, Fag, Bent,
Gaylord, Nonce, Perverts, Pedos,
The gays
Dyke, Lezzer, Lemon
Tranny, Gender Bender,
Use
Gay, gay man, Bisexual
Lesbian
Transgendered, Trans, Trans
person, MTF (Male to Female),
FTM (Female to Male)
Race, colour, Nationality and Ethnicity and language
We all have an ethnic identity based on shared geography, cultural tradition,
language or religion. Using the phrase ‘people of ethnic origins’ suggests that
only some groups are ethnic and this is clearly untrue. The use of ‘ethnic/s’ or
‘foreigners’ used in isolation to refer to either an individual or to sections of the
community is unacceptable. The term ‘minority ethnic’ is more suitable. If you
are unsure of how someone wishes to be described, ask them.
Black
The term ‘black’ is often used in a political sense to include all people who
share a common experience of discrimination because of their race, colour,
nationality or ethnic origin. The term should be used as an adjective such as
the black community and not as a noun – ‘the blacks’
Asian
It is generally appropriate to use the term ‘Asian’ or ‘British Asian’. However,
Asia is a vast continent, incorporating many countries, so the term ‘Asian’ is
not very specific. People from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, may prefer to
be referred to as such rather than the broad ‘Asian’ term. On the other hand
‘South East Asian’ may be a more appropriate term to describe Chinese,
Japanese and Vietnamese people.
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Appropriate language – A Guide 2015
European
Europe is a vast area, and the term ‘European’ is not very specific. It is
appropriate to use Eastern/Central European or alternatively, Latvian, Polish,
French, etc.
Dual heritage/parentage, mixed race
These terms describe people who are of mixed ethnic origin. If in doubt, ask
how a person likes to be described.
Non-visible minority ethnic groups
There are many groups who fall under this heading including Irish, Welsh,
Scottish, Gypsies and Travellers. There are a number of different travelling
communities including Romany Gypsies, Irish Travellers, Travelling
Showpeople and new Travellers.
Migrants
People can correctly be described as migrants if they have moved from
another region or country. The term ‘migrant’ can be misleading and
inaccurate especially where people have been settled in the UK for long
periods or were born here.
The term ‘migrant worker’ is enshrined in European law to denote anyone who
is working in a country other than their country of origin.
With the term 'illegal immigrants' there is a presumption and connotations
that they have done something wrong. There are other reasons people come
to this country by illegal methods, for instance because they are trafficked or
through organised crime groups’
Asylum Seekers are people who have fled their countries because of the fear
of violence, imprisonment or torture.
Refugees are people who have been granted asylum.
Avoid
Negro, Nigger, Coon, Wog
Coloured, Half Caste
Chinky, Gook, Boat people, Slit
eyes
Paki, Ali Baba
Paddy, Taffy, Jock, Mick, Dago,
Wop, Kraut, Spick
Avoid
Gypo, Tinker, Pikey,
Use
Black, Black British, African
Caribbean (but only when referring
to specific geographical origins)
Mixed Heritage/Parentage, Dual
Heritage
Asian, South East Asian
Chinese, Cantonese, Thai,
Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino,
Indonesian, etc
Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian
Irish, welsh, Scottish, Italian,
German, Central or South
American, Spanish, Portuguese
Use
Gypsy, Romany Gypsy, Irish
Traveller
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Appropriate language – A Guide 2015
Disability and Language
Disabled people - This term is advocated by the Disabled People’s
Movement. It recognises that people are disabled more by society than by
their impairment. The use of this term provides a collective identity.
Avoid phrases like ‘suffers from’ which suggest discomfort, constant pain and
a sense of hopelessness.
Wheelchair users may not view themselves as ‘confined to’ a wheelchair – try
thinking of it as a mobility aid instead.
Handicapped
This word is regarded as offensive, because historically, the word is
associated with permanent incapacity and dependency.
People with Special needs – This phrase may offend some people as it may
be perceived as patronizing.
The Disabled, the Blind, the Deaf
These terms tend to dehumanise people, and identify people in terms of their
physical condition. If it is necessary to refer to a physical condition, it is better
to say, for example, ‘people with a sight loss’ or sight impairment’. If a person
is unable to speak then it is preferable to use the term ‘without speech’ and
not ‘dumb’.
People who use equipment to improve their hearing are known as ‘people
with hearing loss’. People who lose their hearing completely, especially in
adult life, are ‘deafened’ or ‘deaf’.
People who are born with no hearing and who use British Sign Language are
‘Deaf’, (with a capital D).
Deaf people have their own community and most do not consider themselves
disabled. However, their communication support needs are protected under
the Equality act 2010.
Avoid
(the) handicapped, (the)
disabled
afflicted by, suffers from,
victim of
confined to a wheelchair,
wheelchair-bound
mentally handicapped,
mentally defective, retarded,
subnormal
cripple, invalid
spastic
able-bodied
mental patient, insane, mad
deaf and dumb; deaf mute
the blind
Use
disabled (people)
has [name of condition or impairment]
wheelchair user
Jock
with a learning disability (singular) with
learning disabilities (plural)
disabled person
person with cerebral palsy
non-disabled
person with a mental health condition
deaf, user of British Sign Language
(BSL), person with a hearing
impairment
people with visual impairments; blind
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Appropriate language – A Guide 2015
an epileptic, diabetic,
depressive, and so on
dwarf; midget
fits, spells, attacks
people; blind and partially sighted
people
person with epilepsy, diabetes,
depression or someone who has
epilepsy, diabetes, depression
someone with restricted growth or
short stature
seizures
Older people
Be careful when using terms of endearment or colloquialisms that may
cause offence. The term ‘old’ can carry connotations of being worn out
and of little further use. It can also be used as a term of abuse.
Avoid
OAP, Geriatric, Old Codger,
Old Biddy
Use
Older person, older population
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