This is using part of an object to stand for the whole object (e.g., "500 head of cattle," "all hands on deck").
What is synecdoche (sin-ECK-doe-key)?
100
Using these types of expressions may risk offending or embarrassing audience members; even if listeners themselves use such expressions, they often resent their use by public speakers.
What is slang?
100
This term should be used only in referring to a preteen female and should never be used in referring to a grown woman.
What is "girl"?
100
Although this term is used in the gay community, it is often resented when used by outsiders.
What is "queer"?
100
Although the terms "Chicana" (female) and "Chicano" (male) are used in referring to persons with roots in Mexico and often connotes a nationalist attitude, many consider these terms offensive and instead prefer this cultural identifier.
What is "Mexican American"?
200
This is the presentation of opposites in parallel form (e.g., Dickens: "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times").
What is antithesis (an-TITH-uh-sis)?
200
This type of language is considered disparaging to members of a particular ethnic group.
What is racist language?
200
This term is preferred to "elder," "elderly," "senior," or "senior citizen."
What is "older person"?
200
This term is generally preferred to "black."
What is "African American"?
200
The cultural identifier "Indian" should only be used in referring to people from India; in referring to the indigenous peoples of North America, this term is preferred.
What is "Native American"?
300
This is the attribution of human characteristics to inanimate objects (e.g., "My car is tired").
What is personification?
300
This type of language is derogatory to one gender (usually women) and is avoided by using neutral terminology.
What is sexist language?
300
This cultural identifier is viewed negatively by many because it connotes the stereotype of the prim and proper woman.
What is "lady"?
300
This term is generally used in referring to people whose roots are in European cultures and does not usually include those who identify themselves as belonging to a Spanish-speaking culture.
What is "white"?
300
These two terms are preferred, respectively, to "Moslem" (an older term) and "Koran" (in referring to the scriptures of Islam).
What are "Muslim" and "Quran"?
400
This is a question that, rather than seeking an answer, makes a statement or produces a desired effect (e.g., "Do you want to be popular?").
What is a rhetorical question?
400
This type of language may be insulting to older people (e.g., "old-timer," "little old lady," "over the hill").
What is ageist language?
400
This is the preferred term for referring to a man who has an affectional preference for other men.
What is "gay"?
400
This term is generally used in referring to people who identify themselves as belonging to a Spanish-speaking culture.
What is "Hispanic"?
400
This term is preferred to "Jews."
What is "Jewish people"?
500
This is a term that combines two normally opposite qualities (e.g., a bittersweet romance, a silent scream).
What is an oxymoron?
500
This type of language may disparage people according to their affectional orientation.
What is heterosexist language?
500
This is the preferred term for referring to a woman who has an affectional preference for other women.
What is "lesbian"?
500
These terms are used in referring to people from Latin American countries.
What are "Latina" (female) and "Latino" (male)?
500
This term is preferred to "Orientals" because the latter reflects a perspective in which the rest of the world is defined by its location from Europe.