Shifting Language Jenni Nuttall Aug 31, 2023

The English Language Has a Lot to Say About Women’s Badassery

Jenni Nuttall Aug 31, 2023

Oxford University medievalist Jenni Nuttall reveals centuries of women's rebellion against patriarchal strictures as reflected in the evolution of our language, in this fascinating excerpt from MOTHER TONGUE.

Shifting Language Thomas Lecaque Aug 29, 2022

The Link between Hurricane Katrina and Anti-LGBTQ Rhetoric

Thomas Lecaque Aug 29, 2022

A historian reflects on how the devastating storm paved the way for the evangelical scapegoating of marginalized people today.

Illustration of a speech bubble with scribbles inside, background of more speech bubbles colored purple and blue, with floating letters scattered in the background

Shifting Language Kory Stamper Mar 29, 2021

America Is Literally Warring Over Words

Kory Stamper Mar 29, 2021

There are four words that have been used again and again throughout American history—up through the Trump era—to justify morally dubious acts and frame wrong as right.

An illustration of a man speaking out of a megaphone. It says "Shhhh" on his jacket.

Shifting Language Jess McHugh Aug 6, 2018

Policing Language Is Just Another Way to Silence Women

Jess McHugh Aug 6, 2018

When women and people of color are told what words to use, and how to use them, it’s more than mere political correctness gone awry. It’s a form of silencing that sustains a moral, class, and racial hierarchy.

A collage of three meters that say "Politifact Truth-O-Meter" on them. One says, "Pants on Fire," one says "Mostly False," and the other says "Half True."

Shifting Language Olga Mecking Jul 26, 2018

What Does the World Think of America’s Fake Language?

Olga Mecking Jul 26, 2018

The mainstreaming of “alternative facts,” “fake news,” and other linguistic manipulations creates confusion, distorts truth, and threatens the fate of our democracy.

A collage of artwork of guns being pointed at six words. The words are "Infest, Bitch, Snowflake, Animals, Feminazi and Libturd."

Shifting Language Jill Filipovic Jul 10, 2018

This Is How Words Become Weapons

Jill Filipovic Jul 10, 2018

With Trump in office, insults are now arsenal, with the power to not only hurt reputations, but to write bigotry into law.

A photo of people in front of a monument that says "War is peace. Freedom is slavery."

Shifting Language Kory Stamper Jun 14, 2018

If Words Lose Their Meaning, What’s Left?

Kory Stamper Jun 14, 2018

Dictionaries don't define words, people do. And those in power are not only eroding our lexicon, but democracy.

A collage of the head of Donald Trump and a megaphone with various letters shooting out of it.

Shifting Language Amy Westervelt May 30, 2018

Words Matter. And Political Propaganda Is Destroying Them

Amy Westervelt May 30, 2018

Politicians have always manipulated language to fit their agenda. But when journalists validate and repeat it, they're introducing it into the national idiom.

An illustration of a megaphone on the ground with a female gender symbol on it.

Feminism Fiona Landers Oct 24, 2017

We Have Always Silenced Women

Fiona Landers Oct 24, 2017

Whether it’s foretelling political doom or coming forward with sexual-assault allegations, women's voices fall on deaf ears. Will we ever learn not listening to women has dire consequences?