Etymology for DE&I: The Darker Historical Origin of Common Phrases

Etymology, the study of the origin of words, takes on a whole new direction when examining common words and phrases through a DEIB lens. There are phrases which have found their way into our everyday lexicon which we use without question, such as “rolling down the window” or “dialing the phone” even though they are no longer technically accurate. But there are other phrases that we use just as frequently, which have more sinister origins. You may have heard someone that they’ve “reached their tipping point” or endured comments from “the peanut gallery”, but where did these phrases come from? Come learn about the origins of these phrases and others, how they may be received, and what alternative phrases can be used in their place. Your actions and heart are already striving for inclusiveness, now make sure that your words match!