Many things people used to say back in the 1970s were once considered totally normal but are now frowned upon. As time goes by, it becomes quite clear why it’s not best to say these 18 things anymore.
“That’s so gay”
People used to use this term to describe anything lame or stupid, but of course, it’s really a pretty nasty and homophobic thing to say. A journal by the National Library and Medicine tells us that research shows it influences anti-gay bias, so it’s great that it’s no longer used.
“Psycho” or “Schizo”
These terms were once used casually to describe someone acting irrationally or unpredictably. Now that we look back on things, we can see that the terms actually trivialize those with serious mental health conditions. It’s best to say ‘unpredictable’ or ‘erratic’ instead.
“Indian Giver”
This term was historically used to describe someone who gives a gift and then wants it back, but it’s based on cultural misunderstandings and negative stereotypes of Native American people. In fact, Louis CK said that it’s “one of the most offensive things you can call someone.”
“Rule of Thumb”
It’s believed by many that this term actually comes from spousal abuse. While this theory has been debunked, claiming that it was used in an error of understanding, it’s probably best not to use it around people you don’t know so well anyway.
“Gyp”
This shortened version of the word ‘gypsy’ has been used since the 70s and before to talk about someone cheating or swindling. Naturally, this is a very derogatory thing to say due to the longer word being a name for Romani and Irish travelers.
“Long time no see”
This still commonly used saying could be considered offensive to Asian or Native American people as it mimics the way that they speak. It’s best to use sayings like ‘it’s been a while’ or ‘haven’t seen you in ages’ to be on the safe side.
“Spirit Animal”
You might not have thought that this is an unpleasant thing to say, as a lot of people still use it to this day, but consider the fact that it holds deep spiritual importance in various Indigenous cultures. To use it casually could be construed as cultural appropriation.
“Hysteria”
Believe it or not, this term was actually a common medical diagnosis for women displaying ‘irrational’ behavior. This goes back to a time with profound sexism in society, so to use it now would be to bring up the past in a very unpleasant way.
“Ghetto”
The word ‘ghetto’ has been used for decades, including in the 70s, to simply describe a poorer part of town most of the time. But the word actually comes from isolated areas where Jews were compelled to live, clearly having pretty nasty historical implications.
“Boy”
Calling someone ‘boy’ in an aggressive way might seem like a patronizing thing to do at most. While not many people use it anymore compared to the 70s – a very good thing – like many of the terms in our list, it has bad historical implications, this time with slavery.
“Midget”
Those with dwarfism should never be referred to as midget, as this is a derogatory and dehumanizing way to describe them, especially considering that it’s primarily used in a comical way. Try “person of short stature” or “person with dwarfism” as more respectful alternatives.
“Sit on it!”
This term gained popularity from “Happy Days,” and people have commonly said it ever since. But if you think about it, it’s actually a pretty unpleasant and vulgar thing to say, so it’s no wonder that it’s more controversial nowadays.
“Paddy Wagon”
You might have heard this term floating around as a way to describe police vehicles or vans. The reason for this is that people saw these vehicles as means to transport the Irish, who they believed were commonly arrested in the U.S. when they first arrived. You can obviously see why this would be offensive to say.
“Drink the Kool-Aid”
Anyone who knows the story of the Jonestown Massacre will be able to tell you that this is a bad subject to laugh at. Back in the 70s, it was seen as an amusing thing to joke about, but as time passed, it became clear that it was not a compassionate phrase to use.
“Off the reservation”
This saying was often used in the 1970s as a metaphor to describe someone acting independently or erratically. But if you know the saying’s history, you’ll notice that it can be seen as a slur toward Native American history.
“Cat got your tongue?”
The meaning behind this strange saying has almost been lost over time. From the 1970s through today, people have just said it without thinking. But it actually refers to the use of a whip called the ‘Cat-o’-nine-tails,’ which rendered people unable to speak. Pretty violent!
“She should be burned at the stake”
The historical practice of burning women at the stake as a belief that they were witches does, of course, account for a dark period of history. To use it now would be seen by many as a promotion of violence and misogyny. So, maybe choose a different phrase…
“Peanut gallery”
This is a slightly more obscure one that you might not have heard before, and for good reason! It’s said to mean the cheaper seats in a theater, up in the rafters. But actually, it was traditionally used to describe an area where black people had to sit during the segregation days.
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