28 Proper Word Choice
By Dr. M. Kumar
*Please keep in mind that language evolves, and terms and definitions may change, so it is important to look up terminology in AP style references regularly and stay updated.
In any profession, and frankly, in life, it is important to avoid using language that is derogatory and inappropriate. This includes language that creates and/or perpetuates stereotypes.
In the field of journalism, race, age, sex, religion, ethnicity, marital status, physical appearance or mental ability are to be mentioned only when relevant to the story. Such descriptors may be used in reports of the following cases about:
- A missing person.
- An escaped criminal.
- A person appointed to an important religious organization.
- The newly elected president of the American Association of Retired Persons.
If the gender of a person is unknown to the author, then it is best to avoid using masculine gender pronouns, for example. Be sure to avoid sexism as well.
As of now*, the AP Stylebook allows limited use of the singular they and its related pronoun forms. Below are some situations in which using they, them, and their as singular would be in accordance with AP style:
- If use of a gender-specific pronoun could reveal an anonymous source.
- If someone does not identify with a specific gender.
- If the gender is unknown.
If there is a question of gender ID, using the person’s last name is an option. Also, if the gender of the person is unknown, or if writing in general terms, use these neutral gender substitutes:
- Firefighter (instead of fireman)
- Police officer (instead of policeman)
- Journalist (instead of newsman)
- Anchor (instead of anchorman)
- Meteorologist (instead of weatherman)
- Actor (for both men and women)
- Salesperson (instead of salesman)
- Mail carrier (instead of postman)
- Server (not waiter or waitress)
- Supervisor (instead of foreman)
- Flight attendant (instead of stewardess)
- Chairperson (instead of chairman/chairwoman)
- Workers, personnel, staff (instead of manpower)
Marital status should only be mentioned if it is relevant to the story. Be careful not to present women or any member of a marginalized group in a context that might make them appear as (because they are not) the property of men or anyone.
Based on AP style, courtesy titles are not used when writing someone’s name. If two sources have the same last name, do not use Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Miss. Instead, use their first and last names to clarify who is speaking.
When a person’s energy, size and/or personality have nothing to do with the story, leave editorial words and opinions out.
It is also important to mindful of terms used to describe people with disabilities*. Use the term disabled* or be specific:
- paraplegic
- hearing impaired or Deaf or deaf (check with the person and study AP style)
- mentally ill
Never use this word: ret-rd-d.
Avoid language that unnecessarily emphasizes difference(s), as demonstrated in the flip card below.
Again, only mention certain descriptors if they are relevant to the story. When in doubt about how to refer to people, ask them, but only if it is relevant to the story. For example, in a story about a basketball game, mentioning the height of players would be relevant. On the other hand, describing a scientist as petite in a story about COVID cases would be irrelevant.
Familiarize yourself with the following terms and their origins along with additional terms listed in the AP Stylebook*:
- Black (capitalize Black, AP style) or African American (no hyphen, AP style)
- Indigenous, Native American, American Indian, First Nations
- Chicanx, Latinx and Latine (consult the AP Stylebook for additional guidance on Chicano, Latino and Latina)
- Asian, Asian American (no hyphen) and Pacific Islander are very broad terms.
- Indian American, Indian, Korean American, Korean, Chinese American, Chinese, Japanese American, Japanese are examples of more specific terms.
- Dual ethnic heritage or multiracial
When you ask, a person may answer American. Everyone has different preferences for terminology*. You won’t know unless you ask, but only ask if it is relevant to the story.
In July of 2020, AP changed its rule and uppercased Black when referring to a person or group. When referring to the color of an object, lowercase it. Again, refer to your AP stylebook for updates, and always watch your organization’s style closely. Also, before emphasizing that someone is a woman or is Japanese American/Latinx/Black, ask yourself if that is the most important element in the story. Is it relevant to the story?
By asking yourself if a particular word or descriptor is relevant to the story and needs to be included, you are taking an important step as a journalist. In this field, proper word choice demonstrates, not only one’s professionalism, but also one’s commitment to the ethical principles and purpose of journalism.
