Top 10 Words and Phrases that are Not Problematic on Their Own, but Only Problematic People Seem to Say Them

The Top Ten
1 "I'm not a racist/sexist/homophobe, but..."

If you have to say "but", then you seriously need to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you even mean the first part of the phrase.

2 "All lives matter"

I strongly agree. These days, there's like only 1 thing that makes us happy. Everything is worthless.

"No lives matter" there I said it. Everything is worthless.

3 "Snowflake"

It was once a beautiful metaphor about the uniqueness of every human. Now that idea has been tarnished by people who think that the idea of basic rights and justices are "weakness."

4 "Alpha"

We are not wolves. We are humans. If you feel like we need to split up into groups like wolves, chances are, the division will not leave you on top. In fact, it could land you in a Romanian prison cell.

Fun fact: the person who did the whole "alpha and omega wolf" study later retracted the entire thing after realizing the "alphas" were just the parents to the other wolves.

5 "Females" (as opposed to "women")

This isn't a nature documentary, and they aren't specimens. They are people. People as complex as you.

I use them interchangeably. Women for humans, females for animals.

6 "I'm going to play the devil's advocate"

It's the devil. He doesn't need an advocate. He's powerful enough as it is. Most importantly, why does it have to be you? Are you on his side now?

7 "Is it that time of the month?"

It's pretty rude to say that if the woman in question is in severe pain (I'm not a female but I heard that during that time of the menstrual cycle (which sometimes aren't even a month, which defeats the point of that phrase) the uterus (a type of muscle) begins to cause cramps which seems pretty painful) and it also doesn't help that there's bleeding during the process. I also don't get why certain corporations and people say "she's just a teen" or "it's that time of month again" when it can get pretty serious (I'm looking at you, Pixar).

So the only reason a woman can feel anger or emotion is because she woke up in a pool of her own blood? Not that there are genuine problems with those around her?

8 "I'm a nice guy/girl, you should give me a chance"

People are not machines that you put politeness into and romance falls out. They are beings with complex thoughts and ideas of their own. Nobody owes you a smile. If you have to go out of your way to say that you are nice, maybe you aren't that nice. Let your actions speak for themselves.

9 "Make America great again"
10 "You're overreacting"

And you, are not LISTENING to my problem. I try to yell to make you understand, but all you hear is an echo.

The Contenders
11 "It's just a joke"

I can't believe that I forgot this one when I was making this list!

There needs to be a word for the type of person that doesn't say "it was a joke" until someone has a problem with it. If it was really a joke, then it would have been made clear from the start. Even if it was a joke, then that does not exempt it from criticism.

(Okay, so there's more I agree with) - But honestly, calling something obviously offensive as a so-called "joke" isn't that funny. Not funny, didn't laugh.

If you have to say this after saying something dumb or offensive then maybe you should reflect on how you're just not funny.

12 "Love the sinner, hate the sin"

This one is taken straight from a Calvin & Hobbes strip.

13 "Trust me bro"

If I say my opinion and pose evidence, and you say that I don't have a valid reason. Then yes, I will get angry.

(Not-so) fun fact, saying "Trust me" will often cause people to trust you less.

14 "Groomer"

This word can have two meanings: One where you clean a pet, and the other one I shall not mention but if you are the latter, please leave the internet and seek help.

15 "I'd like to speak to the manager"

Hateful for everyone named Karen. I knew a Karen, and she was pretty nice.

And I'd like you to not throw a temper tantrum.

16 "That's just your opinion"

I hate this phrase so much. If opinions did not matter, then there would be no need for a debate in the first place. If all you can say to someone stating an opinion is that the opinion is an opinion, then you probably aren't adding anything.

17 "Sanctity of marriage"
18 "No offense"
19 "You're being emotional"

This would definitely be troublesome if you're saying this to someone who has a hard time controlling their emotions.

And my emotions negate any gravity to a situation?

20 "Deal with it"
21 "Who cares?"
22 "Just forget about it."

Similarly "You're bringing up old issues".

No, I'm exposing a problem.

23 "I just don't want you to shove it in my face"

If you know, you know.

24 "Everyone deserves to be loved"
25 "It's personal"
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