politically incorrect
Transgressing speech norms
Politically incorrect describes speech or behavior that disregards sensitivities around race, gender, disability, or other social categories—either through ignorance or deliberate provocation.
The term often appears as a self-description by those who reject what they see as excessive caution: I'm just being politically incorrect, but...
The phrase frames sensitivity as a constraint on honest expression.
See also *politically correct*.
Insensitive in manner
- crassCrudely lacking refinement
- indelicateLacking refinement or tact
- inconsiderateLacking regard for others
- tone-deafCannot perceive pitch differences
undiplomatic · boorish · uncouth · gauche · callous · coarse · crude · impolite
Not allowed
- unacceptableNot meeting required standards
- inappropriateNot suitable or fitting
- off-limitsProhibited from access
- unspeakableBeyond verbal expression
transgressive · improper · indecent · unseemly · verboten · stigmatized · disapproved · censored
Prolonged public disagreement
- outrageFierce moral indignation
- calloutPublic accusation or summons
- pile-onMass criticism or tackle
- shamingCausing feelings of disgrace
mob · firestorm · uproar · furor · blowback · condemnation · criticism · censure
Satirical imitation
- lampoonHarsh public mockery
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- spoofComic exaggerated imitation
roast · send-up · off-color · ribald · bawdy · irreverent · standup · sketch
Tense and irritable
- boundary-pushingExceeding accepted limits
- irreverentDisrespectful toward authority
- iconoclasticAttacking cherished beliefs
- contrarianChronic majority-opposer
audacious · daring · inflammatory · incendiary · shocking · confrontational · rabble-rousing · agitating
One prejudiced by ethnicity
- sexistBiased based on gender
- homophobicPrejudiced against gay people
- bigotedStubbornly intolerant of others
- misogynisticPrejudiced against women
xenophobic · ableist · ageist · classist · transphobic · prejudiced · discriminatory · derogatory
Not passed through screen
- outspokenFreely expressing opinions
- frankOpen and direct
- candidHonest and direct
- plain-spokenSpeaking without ornament
forthright · direct · unvarnished · straightforward · uninhibited · no-holds-barred · unguarded · unreserved
tactless
Insensitive in manner
- crassCrudely lacking refinement
- indelicateLacking refinement or tact
- inconsiderateLacking regard for others
tone-deaf · undiplomatic · boorish · uncouth · gauche · callous · coarse · crude · impolite · discourteous
forbidden
Not allowed
- unacceptableNot meeting required standards
- inappropriateNot suitable or fitting
- off-limitsProhibited from access
unspeakable · transgressive · improper · indecent · unseemly · verboten · stigmatized · disapproved · censored · banned
controversy
Prolonged public disagreement
shaming · mob · firestorm · uproar · furor · blowback · condemnation · criticism · censure · denunciation
parody
Satirical imitation
- lampoonHarsh public mockery
- caricatureExaggerated comic depiction
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
spoof · roast · send-up · off-color · ribald · bawdy · irreverent · standup · sketch · impersonation
edgy
Tense and irritable
- boundary-pushingExceeding accepted limits
- irreverentDisrespectful toward authority
- iconoclasticAttacking cherished beliefs
contrarian · audacious · daring · inflammatory · incendiary · shocking · confrontational · rabble-rousing · agitating · risqué
racist
One prejudiced by ethnicity
- sexistBiased based on gender
- homophobicPrejudiced against gay people
- bigotedStubbornly intolerant of others
misogynistic · xenophobic · ableist · ageist · classist · transphobic · prejudiced · discriminatory · derogatory · pejorative
unfiltered
Not passed through screen
plain-spoken · forthright · direct · unvarnished · straightforward · uninhibited · no-holds-barred · unguarded · unreserved · uncensored
politically incorrectpolitically correct
Avoiding discriminatory expression
PC · inoffensive · appropriate · proper · sensitive
politically incorrectdiplomatic
Tactful and sensitive
tactful · careful · discreet · circumspect · measured
politically incorrectconformist
One following accepted norms
orthodox · mainstream · conventional · on-message · right-thinking
political, politically, politics, politic, politick, politician, politicians, politicize, politicized