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Java Programming Inclusive Language Guide

Welcome

This guide will help us communicate in ways that invite everyone's participation and help each of us feel welcome and safe. Use this guide as a reference to improve your awareness of inclusive language, terms to avoid, and inclusive alternatives.

What is Inclusive Language?

Inclusive language values the importance of words and their impact.

Inclusive communication is:

  • Respectful
  • Accurate
  • Inclusive of all

Inclusive communication is free of language that expresses:

  • Stereotypes
  • Negative expectations
  • Limitations

Inclusive communication enables everyone to contribute diverse perspectives and feel like they belong.

Why does Inclusive Language matter?

One of Madison College's goals is to be a welcoming and inclusive environment where all of our learners, faculty and staff can thrive. By adapting our language, we can help everyone experience a welcoming and inclusive class.

Learn more about Madison College's committment to equity here.

Updating this guide

This inclusive language guide, with its list of non-inclusive words and phrases (below) is a work in progress and I hope that you will help improve it and keep it current. If you have comments, suggestions, or think something is missing from this guide, please share your thoughts in Slack (#inclusive-language channel), or feel free to message me directly.

Remember

We are all here to learn, and it's expected that we'll make lots of mistakes in the process. Some of the phrases below may be commonplace in your vocabulary and it is hard work to change that - I know! I have been working to replace "you guys" with more inclusive terms for well over a year and I still slip into that old habit. If you make a mistake, don’t be too hard on yourself; be aware of it and consider how you could have expressed yourself differently so that you can improve next time.

Examples of non-inclusive language often used in IT and suggested alternatives

The non-inclusive words and phrases are grouped into four categories and in table format below. The categories are:

  • Race, Ethnicity, Nationality, Religion, Native/Indigenous Identity
  • Disability and Ableism
  • Ageism
  • Gender and sexual orientation

The following table is organized into three columns. The first column lists the non-inclusive word or words and phrases, the second column gives suggested alternatives, and the third column provides an explanation of why the words are problematic.

Race, Ethnicity, Nationality, Religion, Native/Indigenous Identity

Non-Inclusive Suggested Alternative(s) Context
blackout days/dates
black/gray days
 blocked days
restricted days
make no changes period
 Definition:

"Blackout dates" in the technological world are dates where something is inaccessible or denied, such as when operations are shut down for maintenance, when employees or executives are not allowed to trade in the company's share or when travel rewards and other special discounts or promotions are not available.

Why it's problematic:

Use of the words "black" for something undesirable, wrong or bad, and light or "white" for desirable, right or good perpetuates concepts that have been used to oppress people of color.
black list (blacklist, black-list)
white list (whitelist, white-list)		 deny/denied list
allow list		 Definition:

In computing, a "blacklist" or "whitelist" is a basic access control mechanism; a "whitelist" allows everyone access, and a "blacklist" denies its members access.

Why it's problematic:

Use of the words "black" for something undesirable, wrong or bad, and light or "white" for desirable, right or good perpetuates concepts that have been used to oppress people of color.Using plain language (i.e.,"deny list" or "allow list") makes the meaning more clear.
blackbox closed box
closed system
opaque glass box
frosted glass box
mystery box
unknown origin
obfuscated		 Definition:

A "blackbox" is a reference to a physical machine (machine learning algorithms) or testing. In testing, "white box" indicates the presence of knowns and a clear view, and "black box" indicates unknowns or lack of visibility.

Why it's problematic:

Because these words are derivatives of racist tropes — "black" for something undesirable, wrong or bad, and light or "white" for desirable, right or good — they perpetuate concepts that have been used to oppress people of color.
whitebox known
open box
open system
glass box
clear box
clear box testing		 see above
blackbox/whitebox clear/opaque
viewed/hidden
visible/invisible
clarify		 see above
Blackhat
Black Hat Hacker/ blackhat hacker
unethical
malicious
malevolent
malignant
bad
criminal
unethical hacker		 Definition:

A "blackhat," "Black Hat" or "blackhat" hacker are criminal hackers that concentrate on malicious breaking of cyber defenses for money or fame.

A "whitehat," "White Hat" or "whitehat" hacker are ethical hackers who focus on testing cyber defenses as part of an organized corporate development process, cybersecurity plan or strategy.

A "Gray Hat Hacker" is a hacker who exploits a weakness in cyber defense and brings the weakness to the attention of the owner, with the goal of improving security. They don't have permission to hack into a system; they bring attention to the system owner, so they are straddling between right and wrong. They think they're doing good, but they're still doing something illegal.

Why it's problematic:

Because these words are derivatives of racist tropes — "black" for something undesirable, wrong or bad, and light or "white" for desirable, right or good — they perpetuate concepts that have been used to oppress people of color.
Whitehat
White Hat Hacker/ whitehat hacker		 security researcher
ethical
benevolent
benign
good
ethical hacker		 see above
Gray Hat Hacker Hacktivist see above
grandfather clause/ grandfather policy/ grandfather right
grandfathered (in)
grandfathering		 Legacy
legacy status
exempt		 Definition:

A "grandfather" clause, "grandfather" policy or "grandfathering" in IT s a provision in which an old rule continues to apply to some existing situations while a new rule will apply to all future cases. Those exempt from the new rule are said to have grandfather rights, acquired rights, or to have been grandfathered in.

Why it's problematic:

"Grandfathering" or "grandfather clause" was used as a way to exempt some people from a change because of conditions that existed before the change (e.g., we've grandfathered some users on an unlimited data plan.") "Grandfather clause" originated in the American South in the 1890s as a way to defy the 15th Amendment and prevent black Americans from voting.
master source
main
active
primary
parent (note: the parent/child binary may be helpful in certain contexts, and so consider the association and connotation when used, as it may not be helpful)
head
in charge
principal
active
leader
local		 Definition:

The master-slave relationship in technology usually refers to a system where one — the master — controls or is at the top or head of other copies, processes or systems.

Why it's problematic:

The master/slave metaphor in technology dates back to at least 1904, describing a sidereal clock system at an observatory in Cape Town, according to a 2007 essay by Ron Eglash, a professor at the University of Michigan. He argued that the words may have been chosen to emphasize the concept of a "free master that did no work and a slave that followed the master's orders made for a vivid, if ethically suspect, technosocial metaphor.

"Note: Consider the context in which "master" is used, and whether that use is derived from the racist binary "master/slave:" where the "master" controls an inferior process or system.

For example, a Master's degree or the common use of master in degrees, such as Master of Science, Master of Arts, etc., suggests a mastery of a subject, and thus is not deemed derogatory.

  • Example of proper usage: "She is a master at the game of chess."

    However, if "master" is in reference to a person who is in charge of a group and evokes the offensive "master-slave" dynamic, then "master" should be replaced.

    For example, a Kanban flow master facilitates Kanban meetings, continuous improvement initiatives and process reviews. Kanban project management has been evolving in recent years to de-emphasize the master role, and the focus is now on Service Delivery Manager and Service Request Manager.
    		•
    slave replica
    secondary
    child
    worker
    follower
    passive
    branch
    standby
    remote
    primary record, file or recording of data/ secondary record, file or recording of data.    		 see above
    master/slave (relationship) hierarchical
    parent-child
    primary-replica
    primary-secondary
    active-passive
    active-standby
    leader-follower
    conductor-musician
    origin-clone
    lead-support
    local-remote    		 see above
    (Kanban) flow master (Kanban) flow manager see above
    Scrum master Agile Lead
    Agile Program Manager
    Agile Coach
    Agile Team Facilitator
    Scrum Coach
    Scrum Teacher
    Scrum Leader
    Scrum Facilitator
    Servant Leader
    Scrum Custodian
    Scrum Guardian
    Scrum Guide
    Process Expert
    Process Lead    		 see above
    master branch trunk
    main branch    		 see above
    webmaster/ Web master Web product owner
    Web manager
    Website manager
    Product Manager    		 see above
    tribal knowledge institutional knowledge
    organizational knowledge    		 Definition:

    The word "tribe" is sometimes used to mean a well-connected or organized group of people. "Tribal knowledge" refers to the collective information of people who work together for an organization such as employees in a unit. But using forms of tribe in this way are offensive to many American Indian and Alaska Native and world indigenous peoples.

    Why it's problematic:

    In a Western context, the word "tribal" often implies savage and further perpetuates stereotypes of primitiveness, lack of culture and uneducated. Calling people "tribal" is equivalent to a racial stereotype.Institutional knowledge is more accurate when referring to a long-time employee's understanding of processes and operations. Reserve the use of "Tribal" at the UW to apply specifically to the UW's acknowledgement of the "Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations."
  • Potentially offensive/non-inclusive example: "Much of what we know about these processes comes from tribal knowledge."
  • Correction: "Much of what we know about these processes comes from institutional knowledge."
    		•
    brown bags lunch and learntech talks Definition:

    A brown bag lunch, sometimes referred to as a brown bag meeting, is an informal training session usually held during lunch, and implies that employees should bring their own lunches from home to participate.

    Why it's problematic:

    Brown bags trace back to the "brown paper bag test," which was traditionally used to judge skin color by certain African-American sororities and fraternities. References to a "brown bag" when we are really referencing a get-together over lunch surfaces an ugly period of American history that can alienate and offend people.

    It would be more clear to say: "bring your own lunch".
    cakewalk (and the shortened "takes the cake") easy Definition:

    A "cakewalk" is an easy victory or task. "Takes the cake" means to win the prize or to rank first.

    Why it's problematic:

    The cakewalk was a pre-Civil War dance performed by enslaved people, and the winner of which would be given a cake. This is the original source for the phrases "takes the cake" and "cakewalk." Because of this history, this word and phrase should be avoided.
    first-class citizen first-class function first-class control first-class data type type
    object
    entity
    value    		 Definition:

    In programming language design, a "first-class citizen" in a given programming language is an entity which supports all the operations generally available to other entities. These operations typically include being passed as an argument, returned from a function, modified and assigned to a variable

    Why it's problematic:

    "First-class citizen" implies that this particular value is the best quality or in the highest grade, and thus others under this group are second-class or lower class. Using cultural hierarchies in people-people relationships to denote relationships between things is a form of classism, which is prejudice against or in favor of people belonging to a particular social class.
    gyp / gip steal
    scam
    defraud
    cheat    		 Definition:

    The word "gypsy" originated as a term used to refer to the Romani (or Roma), a nomadic ethnic group who were characterized as thieves and swindlers. Hence, the term "gyp / gip" is used to refer to the act of stealing.

    Why it's problematic:

    All versions of this term should be avoided as they are derogatory to the Romani people.
    lower the bar simplify
    inclusive
    make more accessible    		 Definition:

    This phrase is based on the erroneous idea that a company has to relax hiring standards in order to add people from different racial, ethnic, gender backgrounds.

    Why it's problematic:

    In fact, in many cases it's the opposite; companies that have poorly designed hiring practices fail to adequately evaluate highly qualified, and often diverse, candidates.
    mantra North Star
    elevator pitch
    mission statement
    motto    		 Definition:

    While "mantra" is a word or sound repeated to aid in concentration or meditation, the word is often used to imply someone's basic belief or belief that they live and work by.

    Why it's problematic:

    Many people in the Buddhist and Hindu community hold this term "mantra" as highly spiritual and religious experience, and is not to be used with nonchalance.
    Minority (if used to comment on a specific group of people and how the group would like to be referred to isn't considered) Native American
    African American
    people of color
    traditionally underserved community
    historically excluded    		 Definition:

    "Minority" literally means the smaller number or part, or a number that is less than half the whole number. Often "minority" refers to groups of people that are racially or ethnically different from the racial or ethnic "majority."

    Why it's problematic:

    When "minority" is used to refer to other races or abilities, used as a generalized term for "the other" and implies a "less than" attitude toward the community or communities being discussed. For example, the minority neighborhood (when talking about redlined areas of a town); the minority agenda, when people insinuate that the agenda is negative. The nuance and context of how the word is used is important to consider.

    Avoid referring to an individual as a "minority" unless in a quotation.

    Use either community-specific terms (e.g., "Native American," "African American," etc.) or the general term "people of color" when referring to racial or ethnic communities.

    When referring to other marginalized communities, clarify which specific community or communities are being discussed.

    Potentially offensive/non-inclusive examples:

  • "El Pueblo de Los Ángeles State Historic Park, in the oldest section of Los Angeles, is the location of some of the most significant cultural landmarks of L.A.'s minority."
  • "That city has several minority neighborhoods."

    Corrections:

  • "El Pueblo de Los Ángeles State Historic Park, in the oldest section of Los Angeles, is the location of some of the most significant cultural landmarks of L.A.'s diverse Latino population."
  • "That city has several neighborhoods historically affected by red-lining practices."
    		•
    mob programming whole team
    swarming
    herd programming
    troop
    collaborative programming    		 Definition:

    Mob programming (informally mobbing) is a software development approach where the whole team works on the same thing, at the same time, in the same space, and on the same computer.

    Why it's problematic:

    The intention was for a general, non-hierarchical group of people to self-organize and by accomplishing tasks "be dangerous." However, historically, the use of "mob" has a racial component and has been used derogatorily and in a negative way.
    native speaker non-native speaker(If used to imply a speaker of English who lives in the U.S. or a person who learned English and lives in the U.S., then these words are problematic) English as a primary language
    English as first language
    English language learners
    English as a secondary language (ESL)    		 Definition:

    A person who has or hasn't spoken the language in question from early childhood.

    Why it's problematic:

    Over time, as officials have recognized that some of these labels can perpetuate negative or inaccurate narratives, the terminology regarding those whose first language isn't English has changed and evolved.

    English is not the native language of the land occupied by the United States of America.

    Other terms better describe people learning English as a secondary language from their primary language. The U.S. Department of Education talks about English language learners (ELL) or just English learners (EL). The Center for Promise, the research institute at America's Promise, uses students whose first language is not English (FLNE).
    ninja guru expert
    Agile expert
    charismatic person
    talented person
    specialist    		 Definition:

    A person who excels in a particular skill or activity.

    Why it's problematic:

    These words are culturally appropriative and thus are problematic.

    In tech job descriptions, these words can be perceived as more masculine and therefore discourage some groups from applying. These words also don't identify exactly what qualities and qualifications are being sought.
    no can do I can't do it
    Not possible or not feasible (within a time frame, or within the parameters)    		 Definition:

    "No can do" is a colloquial or slang phrase that means "I cannot do it."

    Why it's problematic:

    What might seem like a folksy, abbreviated version of "I can't do it" is actually an imitation of Chinese Pidgin English. The phrase dates from the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries, an era when Western attitudes towards the Chinese were markedly racist.
    off the reservation out of bounds
    out of the norm    		 Definition:

    To deviate from what's expected or customary; to behave unexpectedly or independently.

    Why it's problematic:

    Native American peoples were restricted to reservations created by the U.S. government, and their freedom was severely limited by the terms of the treaties they were often forced to sign. The term can feel like a slight because it doesn't acknowledge the origins of the phrase that was used historically in contempt of Native Americans.
    open the kimono full disclosure
    provide insight into    		 Definition:

    "Open the kimono" means to reveal what is being planned or to share important information freely.

    Why it's problematic:

    A kimono is associated with formal attire in Japanese culture. Over time, this 1970s-era slang has been misinterpreted from myths that certain Japanese warriors would open their robes to show someone that they were not hiding their weapons. Kimonos were also worn by geishas — highly trained hostesses who throughout history have been inaccurately depicted as concubines in various films and books. Both amplify a stereotypical view of Japanese culture.
    peanut gallery upper balcony/gallery
    other tier
    the cheap seats
    observers    		 Definition:

    The upper levels of a balcony, gallery, theater and often the least expensive.

    Why it's problematic:

    Peanut gallery originally referred to the balconies of segregated theaters, where African Americans had to sit. Peanuts were introduced to America during the slave trade, and thus became associated with Black people.
    pow wow huddle
    standup
    discussion
    meeting
    meetup    		 Definition:

    A North American Indian ceremony involving feasting, singing and dancing.

    Why it's problematic:

    Using the word "pow wow" is cultural misappropriation, and ultimately racist.
    redline scrap
    shelve
    mothball
    cancel
    drop
    edit
    marked up (legal comments in a doc)    		 Definition:

    Collaborative text editing or to designate what's included and what's not included.

    Why it's problematic:

    Because the word is so strongly associated with discriminatory practices and policies, it is best to use an alternative word if collaborative editing is being referenced.
    jerry-rigged designed
    poorly designed
    biased
    skewed
    predisposed    		 Definition:

    "Jerry-rigged" means organized or constructed in a crude or improvised manner.

    Why it's problematic:

    "Jerry" is a derogatory term used by soldiers and civilians of the Allied nations for Germans in WW2.
    sherpa guide
    coach
    leader
    tutor    		 Definition:

    A Sherpa is a person with Tibetan heritage who lives in the Nepalese Himalayas. The ethnic group is well-known because there are so many Sherpas that have served as porters on mountain-climbing expeditions.

    Why it's problematic:

    Referring to someone as a "sherpa" is cultural appropriation.
    spirit animal kindred spirit
    BFF
    personal icon
    role model    		 Definition:

    Spirit animals are an important part of the belief system of some cultures and refer to a spirit that "helps guide or protect a person on a journey and whose characteristics that person shares or embodies."

    Why it's problematic:

    Referring to something as your spirit animal is cultural appropriation.
    totem pole (e.g., low person on the totem pole) hierarchy Definition:

    A totem pole or monumental pole is a tall structure created by Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples that showcases a nation's, family's or individual's history and displays their rights to certain territories, songs, dances and other aspects of their culture.

    Why it's problematic:

    Using "totem pole" is culturally appropriative.
    Red Team White Team Yellow Team Red Atomic Team Cyber Offense
    Cyber Exercise Cell
    DevSecOps Team    		 Definition:

    In cybersecurity, colorization of teams is used to differentiate between different roles or personas in a cybersecurity context. For example, the red team is "offensive security," white team is "coordinators or referees," the yellow team is the builders of software, etc.

    Why it's problematic:

    Using colors based as racist tropes — labelling "white" as good, "black" as bad, "red" as attackers, or "yellow" as excluded third parties — is offensive.

    Also, "red atomic" surfaces associations to the Cold War and negative relations with Russia, which was often denoted as "red" and therefore bad because the country was communist.

    Disability and Ableism

    Problem words Suggested Alternative(s) Context
    blind to the truth blind eye to blind spot imperceptive
    ignorant
    uneducated
    insensitive
    dense
    unaware
    choosing to ignore
    biased against    		 Definition:

    Several colloquialisms use the word "blind" to describe a lack of awareness.

    Why it's problematic:

    This phrase is ableist, connoting that "blind" is equivalent to ignorant.
    crazy insane baffling
    confusing
    disoriented
    disorienting
    amazing
    incredibly
    super difficult
    very complicated
    wild
    irrational
    ridiculous
    silly
    absurd
    strange
    unnatural
    outrageous
    out of this world
    exciting
    infatuated
    passionate
    enthusiastic
    impractical
    senseless    		 Definition:

    Colloquially, labelling something "crazy" or "insane" is describing something that is chaotic, unorganized, or nonsensical.

    Why it's problematic:

    Historically, "crazy" was commonly used to describe someone suffering from mental illness and not mentally sound.

    Using a word associated with mental health and attributing it to someone or something is problematic because it perpetuates the stigma associated with mental health issues.

    "Crazy" is a word with many uses and connotations, but it's recommended to avoid this word as much as possible.
    cripple(s) slow(s) down
    inhibits
    hinders
    prevents    		 Definition:

    A lame or partly disabled state of being that is deprived of the capability for service or of strength, efficiency or wholeness.

    Why it's problematic:

    This is an ableist word that tends to be used with a negative connotation describing the disability.
    dumb dumb-down clueless
    uninformed
    ignorant
    mute or nonvocal
    simplify (to replace dumb-down)    		 Definition:

    The origin of the word, "dumb," is a person who cannot speak.

    Why it's problematic:

    It's a negative word often associated negatively with those who cannot speak.
    dumb terminal terminal
    computer terminal
    thin client    		 Definition:

    An original, and still technically intact, Old English meaning of the word dumb, which means to be mute/unable to speak. The function of a terminal is confined to the display and input of data (no local programmable data processing capability) and depends on the host computer for its processing power.

    Why it's problematic:

    It's a negative word often associated negatively with those who cannot speak and should not be used in an association with technology.
    dummy value placeholder values
    ample value
    test data/test value
    pseudo value    		 Definition:

    A known test or sample values for an identifier or scheme that has no meaningful value.

    Why it's problematic:

    The origin of the word, "dummy," is a person who cannot speak. Because the use of this word is often negatively associated with a disability, implying a person is worthless, ineffective or incapable, an alternative word should be used.
    "deaf" to something; fell on deaf ears unwilling to hear or listen
    ignorant
    unwilling to learn/understand
    misunderstanding
    uneducated
    dense
    didn't listen
    ignored
    disregarded    		 Definition:

    This phrase connotes that being deaf is the same as being unwilling to listen.

    Why it's problematic:

    There is a long history of associating people who are deaf with being unintelligent. It stems from the idea that if someone cannot use their voice and speak then they do not have anything of value to share.
    lame weak Definition:

    Originally, the word was used in reference to people with reduced mobility, and now it's often a synonym for "uncool."

    Why it's problematic:

    This word is offensive, even when it's used in slang for uncool because it's using a disability in a negative way to imply that the opposite, which would be not lame, to be superior. This use is considered ableist.
    normal, healthy (to denote people without disabilities) nondisabled person
    sighted person
    hearing person
    person without disabilities
    neurotypical person
    desired state    		 Definition:

    These words are often (and problematically) used to describe a person who does not have disabilities.

    Why it's problematic:

    People with disabilities are equally healthy, and calling someone without a disability "normal" is denigrating those with disabilities as "abnormal" and therefore, "normal" is an ableist word.

  • Potentially offensive/ non-inclusive example: "A normal person can use both mouse and keyboard with their computers."
  • Correction: "People without physical disabilities have the option of using a mouse, keyboard or both with their computers."
    		•
    sanity check quick check
    confidence check
    coherence check
    gut check    		 Definition:

    A test run to confirm or validate something that should follow very clear and simple logic. For example, after receiving the software build, sanity testing is performed to ensure that the code changes introduced are working as expected. If the sanity test fails, the build is rejected by the testing team to save time and money.

    Why it's problematic:

    The phrase sanity check is ableist, and unnecessarily references mental health in code bases. It denotes that people with mental illnesses are inferior, wrong, or incorrect. Using an appropriate replacement will also clarify what is intended.
    see (this web page) read or visit this web page
    hyperlink to the reference
    view
    read    		 Definition:

    The definition of "see" can mean to look with one's eyes at something, and so is associated with vision. It can also be used on a website or in a story posted online to mean "refer to," "visit," "know" or "understand."

    Why it's problematic:

    Though these uses of the word "see" aren't inherently incorrect or necessarily offensive, content providers should avoid using the word "see" in situations in which a more accurate, non-ableist word would be better.

  • Potentially offensive/ non-inclusive example: "See the notes at the end of the article."
  • Correction: "Refer to the notes at the end of the article."
    		•

    Ageism

    Problem words Suggested Alternative(s) Context
    Gray Beard Use the person's name
    experienced person
    knowledgeable person
    source person    		 Definition:

    An older, more experienced IT or cybersecurity person, who may be sought after for their experience and wisdom born from study and experience over a lifetime.

    Why it's problematic:

    Using this phrase can be perceived as derogatory toward someone's age.

    Gender and sexual orientation

    Problem words Suggested Alternative(s) Context
    he/she as an inclusive combined subject pronoun, also: s/he he or she he and she his and her his or her they/them/ theirs as singular (neutral) Definition:

    In the past, when referring to others, the binary pronoun (he/she) and possessive pronoun (his/her) was often used.

    Why it's problematic:

    Using the binary pronoun and possessive pronoun is no longer considered accurate due to greater understanding and acceptance that gender and sexual orientation are not binary or limited to male and female or he/she and his/her

  • Potentially offensive/ non-inclusive example: Applicants for the position should submit his/her resume and cover letter
  • Correction: "Applicants for the position should submit their resume and cover letter."
    		•
    freshman, freshmen first-year student Definition:

    Term applies to people in the first year of a traditional four-year undergraduate degree program.

    Why it's problematic:

    Use of "man" and "men" in "freshman/freshmen" is not inclusive, and thus sexist.
    housekeeping maintenance
    cleanup
    overview    		 Definition:

    Housekeeping refers to the management of business duties and tasks.

    Why it's problematic:

    In reference to office work, this language can feel gendered. It carries a fraught history and connotation of women's traditional domestic role as housekeepers.
    male or female connectors and fasteners connector and receptacle
    plug and socket
    pin and receptacle    		 Definition:

    A "male" connector is commonly referred to as a plug and has a solid pin for a center conductor. A "female" connector is commonly referred to as a jack and has a center conductor with a hole in it to accept the "male" pin.

    Why it's problematic:

    Use of male or female anatomy to describe electrical and IT connectors and fasteners and sexualize how they fit together is inherently problematic. Applicability of the issue includes for USB and A/V jacks.
    man (verb: e.g., "I'll be manning the front desk") staffing
    working    		 Definition:

    To staff or furnish with a person or people, such as in customer service.

    Why it's problematic:

    Use of "man" is not inclusive, and thus sexist.
    man-in-the-middle person-in-the-middle
    machine-in-the-middle
    monster-in-the-middle    		 Definition:

    In cryptography and computer security, a man-in-the-middle attack is a cyberattack where the attacker secretly relays and possibly alters the communications between two parties who believe that they are directly communicating with each other.

    Why it's problematic:

    Use of "man" is not inclusive, and thus sexist.
    man hours person hours
    engineer hours, hours of effort, work hours, labor hours    		 Definition:

    Hours of a worker's time.

    Why it's problematic:

    Use of "man" is not inclusive, and thus sexist. Gender is unnecessary when describing time worked.
    manpower workforce
    human effort    		 Definition:

    People capable of doing the work necessary to complete a task.

    Why it's problematic:

    The word "manpower" is gendered in a way that implies that men are required for a task, when gender is irrelevant to a task's completion.
    Mom/girlfriend test user test
    test with novice users    		 Definition:

    Putting a product in front of people who are unfamiliar with it to learn more how they would use the product.

    Why it's problematic:

    The assumption — if a mom or girlfriend can use a program, anyone can — is both sexist and ageist.
    preferred pronouns pronouns
    personal pronouns    		 Definition:

    Pronouns that individuals use to substitute for themselves in the third-person and how they prefer to be referred to. Examples include: he/his/him, she/her/hers, they/their/theirs, ze/hir/hirs and ze/zir/zirs.

    Why it's problematic:

    "Preferred" implies that a person's pronoun is optional, and it suggests that gender identity and expression is a preference and that respectful pronoun use is therefore optional. Gender identity and expression is more complex than that, and respectful use is neither preferred nor optional; it is expected and warranted.
    upperclassman, upperclassmen junior or senior student(s)returning student(s) Definition:

    A student who is a junior or senior in secondary school or college.

    Why it's problematic:

    Using "men" or "man" is not inclusive and considered sexist.
    guys folks
    people
    you all
    y'all
    friends    		 Definition:

    Used to refer to people in a group or audience, regardless of their sex.

    Why it's problematic:

    Avoid gendered pronouns that favor one gender over the other and aim for those that are inclusive.
    ladies/gals women
    folks
    people
    you all
    y'all
    friends    		 Definition:

    Used to refer to women in a group or audience.

    Why it's problematic:

    Terms like "ladies," "gals" or others can feel patronizing to some.
    mankind humankind Definition:

    The human race; humankind.

    Why it's problematic:

    Using "man"kind to represent all of humankind is sexist.
    sexual preference lifestyle sexual orientation Definition:

    Romantic or sexual attraction (or a combination) to persons of the opposite sex or gender, the same sex or gender, to both sexes or more than one gender.

    Why it's problematic:

    The terms "sexual preference" and "lifestyle" are considered offensive because they imply that a person's sexuality is a choice.
    Gay, as a generic term LGBTQIA+ Definition:

    Gay is a term used to refer to homosexuality, a homosexual person, or a homosexual male.

    Why it's problematic:

    The term "gay" has fallen out of favor, and the preferred term is now LGBTQIA+ which stands for:

    L – Lesbian. Lesbian is a term used to refer to homosexual females.

    G – Gay. Gay is a term used to refer to homosexuality, a homosexual person, or a homosexual male.

    B – Bisexual. Bisexual is when a person is attracted to two sexes/genders.

    T – Trans. Trans is an umbrella term for transgender and transsexual people.

    Q – Queer/Questioning. Queer is an umbrella term for all of those who are not heterosexual and/or cisgender. Questioning is when a person isn't 100% sure of their sexual orientation and/or gender, and are trying to find their true identity.

    I – Intersex. Intersex is when a person has an indeterminate mix of primary and secondary sex characteristics.

    A – Asexuality. Asexuality is when a person experiences no (or little, if referring to demisexuality or grey-asexuality) sexual attraction to people.

    + – The "+" symbol simply stands for all of the other sexualities, sexes, and genders that aren't included in these few letters.
    virgin first run
    first launch    		 Definition:

    The word can mean first, but is commonly used to indicate a person who has not had sexual intercourse.

    Why it's problematic:

    Because the strong association to a woman who has not had sex, and the negative and emotionally charged stereotypes associated with the word, the word should be avoided.

    Resources

    This guide is based on: