Words have power. They shape our thoughts, influence our actions, and reflect our society’s history. I often use phrases without thinking twice about where they came from. But some common sayings we use every day have surprising and troubling origins rooted in racism.
This blog explores 21 everyday words and phrases that many people use without realizing their racist backstories. These words and expressions might seem harmless on the surface, but they carry the weight of discrimination and prejudice from the past.
Peanut gallery
This phrase was used to describe the cheapest seats in theaters during segregation. These seats were typically occupied by poor people and Black patrons. The term carries a negative connotation, implying that opinions from this group are less valuable. Today, it’s often used to describe unhelpful or unwanted comments.
Sold down the river
Originally, this referred to the practice of selling enslaved people from the Upper South to the Deep South via the Mississippi River. This often meant harsher conditions and separation from family. Now, it’s used to describe betrayal, but its origins are deeply rooted in the brutal history of slavery.
Grandfathered in
This term comes from racist voting laws created after the Civil War. These laws said that only people whose grandfathers could vote before the war could vote now. This effectively blocked Black Americans from voting. Today, it’s used to describe old rules that still apply despite new regulations.
Uppity
This word was used by white people in the American South to describe Black people they saw as not knowing their “place” in society. It was a way to criticize those who sought equal rights or better treatment. Now, it’s often used to describe someone who acts superior, but its racist roots remain.
Gypped
This term, meaning to cheat or swindle, comes from the word “Gypsy,” a slur for Romani people. It spreads the harmful stereotype that Romani people are dishonest or thieves. Many people use this word without knowing its offensive origins.
No can do
This phrase mocks the broken English of Chinese immigrants in the 19th century. It’s an imitation of how Chinese workers might have refused a task in their limited English. While commonly used today, its origins are in making fun of non-native English speakers.
Long time no see
Like “no can do,” this phrase mimics the way Native Americans or Chinese immigrants might have spoken English. It’s a literal translation of a Chinese greeting. Though widely used as a friendly greeting now, it started as a way to mock non-English speakers.
Paddy wagon
This term for a police van comes from a derogatory nickname for Irish people. “Paddy” is short for Patrick, a common Irish name. It implies that Irish immigrants were often arrested, spreading negative stereotypes about Irish people and crime.
Blacklist
While not directly related to race, this term reinforces the idea that black is bad and white is good. It’s used to describe a list of people or things that are viewed negatively or to be avoided. This subtle association can contribute to unconscious bias.
Thug
Although this word has been used for centuries, it gained racist undertones in recent years. It’s often used as a coded way to describe young Black men, especially in news media. This usage spreads harmful stereotypes about Black people and crime.
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Freeholder
This old term for a property owner comes from a time when only free white men could own land. It excluded enslaved people, women, and often poor white men. Some places still use this term for elected officials, despite its discriminatory history.
Hip hip hooray
This popular cheer has a dark origin. “Hip” may come from a rallying cry used in anti-Jewish riots in Germany in the 1800s. Knowing this history might make you think twice about using this phrase at birthday parties.
Eskimo
This term for Inuit and Yupik peoples is considered offensive by many. It’s thought to come from a word meaning “eater of raw meat,” though this is disputed. Regardless, it’s a name given by outsiders and not how these groups call themselves.
Dreadlocks
The term “dreadlocks” has roots in colonialism and racism. It comes from slave traders describing the hair of African people as “dreadful.” This negative view of natural Black hair textures reflects racist attitudes. Today, many people use “locs” instead to avoid the negative connotation. The history of this word shows how racism can be embedded in descriptions of physical features.
Eeny meeny miny moe
This children’s counting rhyme originally contained a racial slur in place of “tiger.” Many people still use the rhyme without knowing its racist past. It’s a reminder of how racism can hide in seemingly innocent childhood games.
Fuzzy wuzzy
This phrase comes from a poem by Rudyard Kipling about Sudanese fighters. It describes them in a way that’s both patronizing and racist. Today, it’s often used playfully to describe something soft, but its origins are in colonial-era racism.
Mumbo jumbo
This phrase, meaning nonsense or gibberish, comes from a West African Mandinka word. European colonizers used it mockingly to describe African religious practices they didn’t understand. It’s an example of how racism can hide in everyday language.
Off the reservation
This phrase originally referred to Native Americans who left their assigned reservations. It was used to describe those who went against government control. Today, it’s often used to mean someone who’s not following the rules or disagreeing with the group. This usage ignores the painful history of forced relocation of Native peoples.
Hooligan
This word, used to describe a violent or rowdy person, likely comes from the Irish surname Houlihan. It became associated with street gangs in London, particularly those of Irish descent. The term spread negative stereotypes about Irish immigrants. Now it’s used more broadly, but its origins lie in anti-Irish sentiment.
Cakewalk
This term, now used to describe something easy, has a disturbing origin in American slavery. Enslaved people were forced to perform a dance that mocked white ballroom dances. Slave owners would watch for entertainment and award cakes to the “best” performers. The dance became known as the “cakewalk.” Today, people use it without realizing its connection to the humiliation of enslaved people.
Call a spade a spade
While this phrase wasn’t originally racist, it gained offensive meanings in 1920s America. “Spade” became a slur for Black people. Now, using this phrase can be seen as racist, even if that’s not the intent.
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