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Synonyms for Stop using. (2016). Retrieved 2023, April 13, from https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/stop_using
Synonyms for Stop using. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Apr. 2023. <https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/stop_using>.
Synonyms for Stop using. 2016. Accessed April 13, 2023. https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/stop_using.
Published January 12, 2021
The way people use language is constantly changing. Words that were once cool become obsolete, meanings shift, and sometimes we realize that words once thought of as harmless are actually inappropriate or even offensive. Most of us have used problematic words at one time or another. Maybe we repeated something we heard on our favorite show, or we latched on to the newest slang without considering its origins or which groups might be harmed by its usage.
Last year, we welcomed 2020 with a discussion of eight harmful or offensive words that more and more people were dropping from their vocabularies. Now, after another trip around the sun, we’re back with a few more contenders to add to the list. Modifying your vocabulary always feels a little awkward at first. Luckily, there are plenty of words to choose from, and we happen to be experts in figuring out which ones to use. Here are seven words that people are rethinking in 2021, and what you can say instead.
The word dumb is very old and very common. You’ve likely heard it millions of times as a way of talking about a joke or movie someone didn’t like, or describing something that was seen as boring, uninteresting, or unintelligent. Perhaps you’ve even used it this way yourself. Dumb was first recorded before the year 1000. It’s related to the Old Norse dumbr, Gothic dumbs, Old Saxon dumb, Old High German tump, and German dumm, and it originally meant “lacking the power of speech” or “temporarily unable to speak.”
Historically, people who could not hear or speak were sometimes labeled deaf and dumb or deaf-mute. This usage is no longer common, but the history and association remains. As a result, the way we use dumb today is often problematic and potentially insulting. It stigmatizes differently abled people and creates an association between physical disabilities and intelligence or worthiness. There are plenty of better and more appropriate words we could say instead.
What to say instead:
- That customer is acting foolish.
- I made a careless mistake.
- Well, that’s a silly thing to do.
- The argument made the politician sound so ignorant.
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When you hear the word psycho, you might think of the movie or of that one former classmate on Facebook who’s constantly sharing wild conspiracy theories. In modern usage, people tend to use psycho casually to describe things that are outlandish, exceptionally strange, or over the top. Unfortunately, mental health advocates worry that casual use of the word can reinforce negative stereotypes of mental illness.
Psycho is an abbreviated form of the terms psychological or psychotic that was first recorded in English in the 1930s. When used as a noun, psycho refers to “a crazy or mentally unstable person.” When used as an adjective, it describes a subject that is considered to be “psychopathic or psychotic.” It’s important to be specific with language, and to avoid further stigmatizing mental health issues. With that in mind, it may be time to drop psycho and find a better way to describe what we’re talking about.
What to say instead:
- She’s a bit of an oddball.
- His quirky behavior gets a lot of attention.
- My capricious coworker keeps yelling about her lost stapler.
- My brother freaked out when I borrowed his jacket. He’s so fickle.
Looking for more? We have more alternatives for psycho here.
In office culture, you might hear someone refer to a team meeting or brainstorm as a powwow. In this informal usage, powwow means «any conference or meeting.» Unfortunately, this usage may also be an example of cultural appropriation.
Powwow more commonly refers to large gatherings organized by Native American nations for socializing, dancing, singing, and celebrating their culture. These ceremonies are often accompanied by spiritual, religious, and ritual practices, along with dancing. The word itself comes from Algonquian, related to the Natick word pauwau, or «one who practices magic.»
Calling the weekly meeting a powwow may seem like a fun play on words, but it’s actually stripping the meaning away from an important part of certain Native American cultures.
What to say instead:
- Let’s huddle up.
- We’ll put our heads together on this idea.
- It’s time to rally.
- Let’s kick around some ideas.
Lame comes from an Old English word meaning «crippled, weak,» which was first recorded in the 700s. But, by the 1300s, usage of the word lame began to change drastically. The meaning of lame extended to refer to anything considered «defective,» and by the late 1800s, lame was being used to make fun of people or things that were considered «uncool.» This is the way the word is most commonly used today, but that usage has a harmful impact on certain groups of people.
In 2021, many people recognize lame as hurtful and ableist. Ableism is a form of discrimination against disabled people, and it includes language that marginalizes and stigmatizes the disabled community. Using lame to describe things that are undesirable or unacceptable can create an association with physical disabilities being seen as less desirable or acceptable as well, and there’s no excuse for doing that.
What to say instead:
- That is so banal.
- I spent the entire day doing humdrum chores.
- The theme for the school dance is so corny.
- The movie’s plot was hackneyed and boring.
Crazy
Crazy is one of the most common words in American English. There are songs about love driving people crazy. People casually say 2020 was the «craziest» year ever. But our overuse of crazy to describe anything and everything that we find odd, fascinating, exciting, great, or terrible has some mental health advocates on edge.
In the 1500s, the word crazy meant «to be sickly and infirm.» Fast forward a century, and the word had already evolved to mean «mentally deranged, insane, or demented.» Crazy can be a dismissive and dehumanizing term that reinforces damaging stereotypes about mental illness. Its popularity means it may be difficult to get rid of, but there are plenty of other words to use if you’re interested in making this positive change to your vocabulary to benefit the mental health community.
What to say instead:
- That idea is completely irrational.
- The moon looks unreal tonight!
- There goes another erratic driver.
- That’s preposterous!
Enough with the «crazy» talk! Find even more alternatives here.
In the early 2010s, everyone had a squad. That was the word we used to describe a tight group of friends or likeminded people. But there’s another word that’s gaining traction as a way to describe people who feel like they really connect: tribe. «Find your tribe» is a common way to encourage people to find the people they click with, but this usage overlooks the complex history of the word.
A tribe is an «aggregate of people united by ties of descent from a common ancestor, a community of customs and traditions, adherence to the same leaders.» Usage of tribe dates back to the 1200s, and derives from the Latin tribus, which originally related to the divisions of voting groups in ancient Rome. Tribe has been used throughout history by colonizers to describe Indigenous groups throughout the African and American continents, and many consider this usage to be offensive because it promotes stereotypes about Native cultures.
Casual use of tribe glosses over these important issues and popularizes a word that has harmful connotations for many groups. We were able to move on from squad. Surely we can figure out a way to move on from this word, too.
What to say instead:
- These people are my soul mates.
- Find your people.
- We’re kindred spirits.
- I’m so grateful for this community.
It’s common to hear people talk about their «OCD tendencies» or how they’re «so OCD.» Typically, people use this term to show they’re being obsessive about a particular interest or hobby. They might say they’re OCD because they organize their socks by color or they’re really particular about where certain items are in their home. The problem? That usage trivializes a genuine mental illness.
OCD stands for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It’s a recognized mental disorder than can have a serious impact on the lives of those who have it. The National Institutes of Health defines obsessive-compulsive disorder as a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that they feel the urge to repeat over and over.
Sometimes those with OCD may have compulsions related to cleanliness or hygiene, but using OCD as a term to describe quirky habits that aren’t actually related to a mental health issue is belittling and dismissive. There’s a better way!
What to say instead:
- I can’t help it that I’m so precise.
- I’m particular about my sock drawer.
- My fastidiousness is unmatched.
- I’m finicky about the way my books go on the shelf.
Whether at home or at work, an accessible way to start the conversation about race and racism is by considering the language we use. One of the most important ways to adopt and promote an anti-racist, inclusive, and equitable philosophy is through understanding the words we use.
There are myriad colloquialisms that have culturally and racially charged origins, and most of us are probably using certain terms without knowing their true meaning. Read on to understand the origins of such language and what you can say instead.
“Long time no see”
What it means: It has been awhile!
Why you should stop using it: It derives from the broken English used by non-native English-speakers. Meant to be funny, this particular phrase mocks the way that Native Americans and Chinese speak English.
Say this instead: “It has been too long!” or “We haven’t spoken in ages!”
“No can do”
What it means: I can’t do it.
Why you should stop using it: Similar to “long time no see,” this is another phrase that pokes fun at the mistakes non-native English-speakers may make. This phrase dates back to the mid-1800s and mocks the way the Chinese spoke English.
Say this instead: “I’m unable to do it.”
“Peanut gallery”
What it means: Critics.
Why you should stop using it: It’s a classist phrase that refers to the cheapest, worst seats in a theater. It can also be construed as racist since the cheap seats were the only seats Black Americans were allowed to purchase in the early- to mid-1900s.
Say this instead: “Audience” or “hecklers.”
“Uppity”
What it means: Assuming a place above one’s standing in a social hierarchy.
Why you should stop using it: Though it doesn’t have a long racial history, “uppity” has in recent years taken on racial overtones to specifically criticize a Black person who doesn’t know her place in the racial hierarchy.
Say this instead: “Audacious” or “cavalier.”
“Sold down the river”
What it means: Betrayed.
Why you should stop using it: It refers to when American slaves were sold to plantations in the south.
Say this instead: “Let down” or “mislead.”
“Ghetto”
What it means: Low class or acting poorly.
Why you should stop using it: Physical ghettos were neighborhoods where Jewish people were segregated from the greater population. But “ghetto” also describes deficient manners and behavior, often referring to Black people.
Say this instead: “Uncouth” or “unpolished.”
“Gyp”
What it means: To cheat.
Why you should stop using it: It’s a short form for “gypsy.” Because gypsies traveled from place to place selling their wares, disputes arose, resulting in the stereotype that gypsies are cheats and thieves.
Say this instead: “Bamboozle” or “rip off.”
“Guru”
What it means: A spiritual guide or leader.
Why you should stop using it: In the Buddhist and Hindu traditions, the word is a sign of respect. Using it casually negates its original value.
Say this instead: “Expert” or “teacher.”
“Powwow”
What it means: A gathering.
Why you should stop using it: The word is an example of cultural appropriation since it is actually a Native American ceremony that includes singing, dancing, and food.
Say this instead: “Meeting” or “conference.”
“Grandfathered in”
What it means: Not subject to the change in rules.
Why you should stop using it: The “grandfather rule” started after Reconstruction in the U.S. and deprived recently freed slaves of voting rights.
Say this instead: “The old rules apply.”
“Blacklist”
What it means: To avoid or exclude.
Why you should stop using it: Any language that reinforces the symbolism of white as pure and good, and black as dirty and bad, needs to be re-examined.
Say this instead: “Boycott” or “ostracize.”
Speaking mindfully
Colloquialisms often have hidden histories that can give you greater insight into the complexities of race and racism. Being more mindful about the language you use in everyday life actually empowers you to make changes that are accessible and easy to practice.
If you want to learn more about how to use language in a more culturally- and racially-sensitive manner, visit the Social Justice Phrase Guide.
Another List Of Words We Need To Stop Using
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Another List Of Words We Need To Stop Using
Nov 15, 2017
In my last article, I listed off some words that I believe we should drop from our vocabulary. For the most part, the words I listed off should be dropped because I find them personally annoying (and because I believe they are sloppy). In this article, I’m presenting another list of words we should drop but for much better reasons. All the words listed in this article have moved past their original meaning and morphed into something different. Please enjoy another list of words we need to ditch before 2018:
Alt (as a prefix):
«Alt» was first introduced, to me, in the term «alt-rock». I understood immediately that it meant an alternative to the mainstream rock music of the time. The next prominent usage of «alt» that I saw was in 2016 when I was introduced to the term «alt-right». The alt-right started, contrary to popular belief, as an alternative to being right-wing socially while maintaining some of the economic values of Republicans. Quickly after it became a mainstream term, «alt-right» became associated with White Nationalism.
Only a year after «alt-right» became a mainstream term, there have been offshoots of the term, such as «alt-lite» and «alt-left».
I don’t believe we need to fully get rid of the term «alt», we just need to utilize it correctly. The original incarnation of «alt-right» was a proper usage, but now it’s got nothing to do with right-wing ideas (only with White Nationalism). The alt-lite and alt-left aren’t alternatives either because they remove themselves totally from the root of what they are trying to be an alternative of. Alt-rock doesn’t remove itself from the realm of rock music, so why do we think that shoving «alt» in front of words (and then acting exactly opposite of what the root word is) magically makes it valid?
Gate (as a suffix):
There is one acceptable usage of the term «-gate» being a suffix: Watergate. I get it, the Watergate scandal was a huge deal. Why does this mean that «-gate» has to be slammed onto the back of any slightly scandalous news headline (or even some that don’t involve a scandal)? Pizzagate, gamergate, contragate, russiagate, and over 40 other instances of «-gate» have nothing at all to do with the Watergate hotel. I don’t understand how this became a popular thing to do, but unless Donald Trump is caught snorting drugs in the Watergate hotel, let’s stop using the term.
Snowflake:
Obviously, a snowflake is one of those pretty little fractals that comes down from the sky during the winter. Over the past few years, the word has come to describe people who use identity politics to get their point across. I think the term is actually fitting for that group of people (those who think they are as unique as a snowflake is).
Today, the term «snowflake» has surpassed even describing someone who uses their «uniqueness» to push their views on others. «Snowflake» has been taken, by the right-wing trolls of the internet, to the extreme. The term has now come to be a blanket statement describing anyone that identifies as left-wing.
I don’t agree with divisive political terms, but I do think the original iteration is hilarious and accurate. If we could take the term back to the original roots and not just lob it as a baseless insult towards anyone that agrees with left-wing ideas, then maybe the word can stick around.
«Dear…»:
In my previous list of words I want to abandon, I included the phrase «we need to talk about…» (in reference to article headlines). I stand by my reasons for disliking that phrase, but I have to admit that there is an even worse click-bait type title: the «Dear…» title.
Usually, when people start off a letter with «Dear (insert name)», the letter is intended for someone that the author holds «dear». I use the headline when writing to my family, friends, and acquaintances.
Nowadays, if you see someone starting an article or public letter with «Dear…», it’s a slam-piece. There are numerous articles and open letters to Donald Trump, other politicians, religious sects, certain races (especially white people), and other groups that begin with «Dear…», and then what follows is pure vitriol aimed at the supposed «dear» person.
This is such a petty and passive-aggressive way to try to get your point across. I will stand behind people expressing their ideas through the press, but there is a right and wrong way to go about it. Anytime I see someone start off a smear campaign with «Dear…», it makes me automatically lose a lot of respect for the author. If you intend to write a hate-filled article about someone, be sincere. Don’t beat around the bush or frame it in a way that makes it look as if you’re doing a favor or writing to someone that you admire. There isn’t more a more childish headline you could pick.
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The following is a list of stop words that are frequently used in english language.
Where these stops words normally include prepositions, particles, interjections, unions, adverbs, pronouns, introductory words, numbers from 0 to 9 (unambiguous), other frequently used official, independent parts of speech, symbols, punctuation. Relatively recently, this list was supplemented by such commonly used on the Internet sequences of symbols as www, com, http, etc.
There are 2 views of stop words for english language: table and list. Just use the view which is the most convenient to you.
For the external usage, you can always download stop words for english as XML, TXT or JSON formats.