Language evolving over time

[flexagon]

Lately at work people have been trying to use "blocklist" and allow-list" rather than "blacklist" and "whitelist", when referring to exception cases, to get away from a "white is good, black is bad" metaphor that may have its roots in racism (though, as far as I know, nobody knows if it does have roots in racism). I actually like "blocklist", but "allow list" doesn't roll off the tongue as nicely... I might prefer a simple "passlist" or "yeslist".

I've noticed myself picking up the term "heavy lift" when referring to something that's going to be difficult: as in, finding a custom sofa to fit this particular space is going to be a heavy lift.

What else is creeping into people's lexicons this year?

Comments

[cordjostler]

Interesting; I've never considered the terminology, but the change certainly makes sense.

I agree with you, "allow-list" is a mouthful, but at the same time, I really like how clearly it communicates what it is.

blocklist is rough for me. it sounds like a list of things keeping you from doing jira tickets. haha.