Biased Language: Common Phrases in the English Language with Harmful History

Did you know that there are examples of biased words that are scattered throughout the English vocabulary? Biased language is made up of words or phrases that might make certain people or groups feel excluded or underrepresented. We can help create a more inclusive community within our school and neighborhood by ensuring the words we use don’t cause harm towards others unknowingly. 

A few examples of common phrases include:

1.       Cake Walk / Piece of Cake - The phrase “cake walk” originated from a pre-US Civil War dance performed by slaves for slave owners on plantation grounds. The dance was first known as the “prize walk”; the prize was an elaborately decorated cake. Hence, “prize walk” is the original source for the phrases “cakewalk” and “takes the cake”. As this term has its roots in slavery, it can be harmful – a good alternative is to say something is “an easy task.”

2.       Brown Bag Lunch - The Brown Paper Bag Test (aka “Brown Bag” test) was a form of racial discrimination practiced in the US in the last century, which involved comparing an individual’s skin tone to the color of a brown paper bag. This discriminatory test was used to gain or be denied entry into organizations and establishments. It’s commonly used today for working lunches in organizations and a recommended alternative is a “lunch and learn session” or simply a “working lunch.”

3.       Tribe - “Tribe” is commonly used to casually describe a group of friends or a team, but this term has negative racial undertones that are biased against Indigenous communities. An easy alternative is to use the terms friend group, team or network instead. 

4.       Spirit Animal - “Spirit animal” is a phrase used in pop-culture for describing something that represents a person’s inner personality. (e.g. “Rhianna is my spirit animal.”) “Spirit animal”  being used in this type of casual manner is offensive to Indigenous groups. This is another example of biased language that might offend people due to its racial undertones towards Indigenous People and those whose cultures include spiritual animals, totems, and symbols.

You can learn about other examples of common biased language in this helpful article. Now that you know, you can make small changes in the words you use, which can make a big positive impact by ensuring others feel more included and valued.