45 words and phrases Democrats should stop saying, according to strategists

DeezerShoove » 27 Aug 2025, 6:33 am » wrote: ↑
27 Aug 2025, 6:33 am
From "The Third Way" (worried lefties):

...
Therapy-Speak
These words say “I’m more empathetic than you, and you are callous to hurting other’s feelings.”

Privilege

Violence (as in “environmental violence”)

Dialoguing

Othering

Triggering

Microaggression/assault/invalidation

Progressive stack

Centering

Safe space

Holding space

Body shaming

Be aware of words proliferating in elite circles that have closed off open conversations and have made it uncomfortable for many people to engage in hard topics.

Seminar Room Language
This language says “I’m smarter and more concerned about important issues than you. Your kitchen table concerns are small.”

Subverting norms

Systems of oppression

Critical theory

Cultural appropriation

Postmodernism

Overton Window

Heuristic

Existential threat to [climate, the planet, democracy, the economy]

When we use words people don’t understand, studies show that the part of their brain that signals distrust becomes more active, undermining our ability to reach them.

Organizer Jargon
These words say “we are beholden to groups, not individuals. People have no agency.”

Radical transparency

Small ‘d’ democracy

Barriers to participation

Stakeholders

The unhoused

Food insecurity

Housing insecurity

Person who immigrated

Democrats can fight for the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and immigrants more effectively if they speak in everyday language and in the language of those most affected by these issues.

Gender/Orientation Correctness
These say “your views on traditional genders and gender roles are at best quaint.”

Birthing person/inseminated person

Pregnant people

Chest feeding

Cisgender

Deadnaming

Heteronormative

Patriarchy

LGBTQIA+

Standing up to MAGA’s cruel attacks on gay and transgender people requires creating empathy and building a broad coalition, not confusing or shaming people who could otherwise be allies.

The Shifting Language of Racial Constructs
These words signal that talking about race is even more of a minefield. You will be called out as racist if you do not use the latest and correct terminology.

Latinx

BIPOC

Allyship

Intersectionality

Minoritized communities

As we fight racism and discrimination, we should reflect upon whether the words we are using are part of the reason Democrats are losing support from all non-White voter groups. We must know when to take a step back and listen, instead of peppering our websites, fundraising asks, and newsletters with sociology buzzwords.

Explaining Away Crime
This says: “The criminal is the victim. The victim is an afterthought.”

Justice-involved

Carceration

Incarcerated people

Involuntary confinement

People deserve to feel safe where they live, work, and go to school, and we can’t defend the progress we’ve made on criminal justice reform or hope to make more unless we acknowledge that reality in plain terms.

Conclusion
Some will take issue with the inclusion of words or phrases we ask Democrats to avoid when talking to the public.
Recognize that much of the language above is a red flag for a sizable segment of the American public.
We will never abandon our values or stop doing things to protect those who need help, encouragement, trust, a second chance, acceptance, a fair shake, and the opportunity to pursue life, liberty and happiness.

[The article reeks of desperation. They continue to view themselves as occupying a moral high ground.]

Grok? He is dumb as a rock..

DUMP THE TRUMP SLUMP 2026!
Bump Caps Recommended..

Liberal Forum

45 words and phrases Democrats should stop saying, according to strategists

Who is online