Definition of politically incorrect

The term "politically correct" first emerged in the late 1980s, and it initially carried a positive connotation. It referred to social reform movements that aimed to promote and enforce certain values and sensitivities, particularly regarding issues of race, gender, and sexual orientation. However, some individuals began to view this "political correctness" as a form of censorship or conformity that stifled free speech and constrained individual liberties. In response, the term "politically incorrect" was coined as a way of challenging the new orthodoxies and advocating for a return to more tolerant and inclusive attitudes. At first, "politically incorrect" was used ironically, almost as a joke, to critique the excesses of political correctness. However, as the idea gained popularity, it slipped into broader discourse and became a common term used to describe views or statements that clash with current social norms and values. Today, "politically incorrect" has taken on negative connotations, implying prejudice, intolerance, or a lack of sensitivity to contemporary sensibilities. It can be used as a umbrella term for a range of socially and politically unpopular beliefs, from conservative views about immigration and multiculturalism to liberal positions on issues like defunding the police or abolishing prisons. In short, the origin of the term "politically incorrect" stems from a backlash against "political correctness," which aimed to infuse social discourse with greater sensitivity and tolerance, but which some saw as imposing unrealistic restrictions on free speech and limiting individual liberties. The evolving use of the term reflects growing tensions between the desire to challenge established norms and the need to respect contemporary social values.