In a recent episode of "The Opinions," editor Nadja Spiegelman and two culture critics engaged in a lively discussion about the evolving lexicon of social awareness, debating which terms remain relevant, which are fading, and which have become obsolete.
The conversation began with a simple game: participants would hear a word and declare it "alive," "dying," or "dead." The term "problematic" was quickly dismissed as deceased, with one critic noting, "It should die. But it's around." The word "triggered" received mixed reviews, described as "dead" yet predicted to make a comeback, despite its frequent misuse online where trigger warnings often precede disturbing content.
"Microaggression" and "safe space" were unanimously declared dead, while "folx" (spelled with an 'x') was deemed "never alive" and criticized as an unnecessary alteration that frustrated even earnest users.
The discussion turned more nuanced with "Latinx." One participant acknowledged its complexity, stating that for some Latin queer individuals, the term "feels good," while others view it as "a Western intervention." Another critic expressed strong opposition, calling it "a diaspora war thing" and noting that most people they know dislike it, though conceding, "It can live if it wants to."
This debate highlights how language evolves within social movements, with some terms gaining traction while others face rejection or become outdated. As cultural conversations shift, so too does the vocabulary used to navigate them, reflecting ongoing tensions between inclusivity, authenticity, and linguistic change.