Selections from the Dictionary of Cautionary Words and Phrases, published as part of the Multicultural Management Program at the University of Missouri-Columbia's School of Journalism, "dedicated to turning today's journalists into tomorrow's multicultural newsroom managers":

Articulate

Can be considered offensive when referring to a minority, particularly a black person, and his or her ability to handle the English language. The usage suggests that "those people" are not considered well-educated, articulate, and the like.

Barracuda

A negative generalization of persons without morals and/or ethical standards or judgements. Many times directed at forceful women. Do not use.

Community

Implies a monolithic culture in which people act, think and vote in the same way. Do not use, as in Asian, Hispanic, black or gay community. Be more specific as to what the group is: e.g. Black residents in a north side neighborhood.

Dear

A term of endearment objectionable to some. Usage such as "He was a dear man" or "She is a dear" should be avoided.

Dutch treat

To share the cost, as in a date. Implies that Dutch people are cheap.

Fried chicken

A loaded phrase when used carelessly and as a stereotype, referring to the cuisine of black people. Also applies to watermelon.

Ghetto blaster

A large portable stereo popular with all youth. Offensive because it is culture specific and stereotypical. Use portable stereo or boom box.

Golden years

Avoid, as this characterizes people's later years as uniformly idyllic.

Guido

An Italian first name offensive when used to denote membership in the Mafia. Also used as a description of street punks.

Guppies

A gay young urban professional. The generic term is Yuppie, which, if used, refers to all young urban professionals.

Gyp

An offensive term meaning to cheat, derived from gypsy.

Hymie

A derogatory term for those of the Jewish faith. Avoid this and any other derogatory term for jews.

[Ed.: Jesse Jackson, take note.]

Illegal Alien

Often used to refer to Mexicans and Latin Americans believed to be in the United States without visas; the preferred term is undocumented worker or undocumented resident.

Jew

Refers to people of the Jewish faith. Some people find use of Jew alone offensive and prefer Jewish person. Not a synonym for stingy. Always used as a noun, never a verb.

[Ed.: Michael Jackson, take note.]

Mafia, Mafiosi

A secret society of criminals and its members. Do not use as a synonym for "organized crime" or the "underworld."

Peg leg

Use prosthesis or artificial limb. Also avoid hook.

Project

As in public housing project, has come to denote race. Use public housing development or subsidized housing.

Qualified minorities

Do not use in stories about affirmative action. Unnecessary description that indicates minorities are generally unqualified.

Rubbing noses

Allegedly an Eskimo kiss. However, Eskimos don't rub noses and object to the characterization. Do not use.

Senior citizens

Do not use for anyone under 65. In general, avoid ageism by giving ages where relevant. Do not describe people as elderly, senile, matronly or well-preserved. Also do not identify people as grandparents unless it is relevant to the story. Do not use dirty old man, codger, coot, geezer, silver fox, old-timers, Pop, old buzzard. Blue-haired is objectionable when used to characterize older people.

Ugh

A guttural sound used to mimic American Indian speech. Highly offensive. See "American Indian."

Uncle Tom

Refers to a black person who allegedly has abandoned his/her culture. Objectionable because no person or group can appropriately attach judgmental terms to others. Just as objectionable: Banana when referring to Asian-Americans who have allegedly abandoned their culture, Coconut for Mexican-Americans and Oreo for black Americans.

Wannabe

Refers to those who mimic a style or behavior of another group or want to be a member of another group. Use advisedly. For instance, a person dressed in red or blue isn't necessarily a wannabe Blood or Crip gang member. Nor is the person necessarily a gang member. Also use the term gang member advisedly for the same reasons.

Without rhythm

A stereotype about whites. Implies that others have rhythm, also a stereotype.

Woman

the preferred term for a female adult. Girl is appropriate only for those 17 years old and under. Avoid gal and lady. Also avoid derogatory terms for women, such as skirt, broad, chick, bimbo, babe, ball and chain, and little woman. Also avoid adjectives describing female physical attributes and mannerisms such as pert, petite, foxy, buxom, fragile, feminine, stunning, gorgeous, statuesque, or full-figured.

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