PC
pee-SEE
PC (verb) means to reword something so it avoids offending any group; to sanitize language. Example: “The press release was PC'd so heavily it barely said anything.”
verb
1
To reword something so it avoids offending any group; to sanitize language.
"The press release was PC'd so heavily it barely said anything."
"Editors PC'd the joke out of the final script."
How to use PC
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something "politically correct" by softening or removing language that might offend.
When to use it
Informal verb use of the abbreviation PC; often used with a critical or sarcastic edge.
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- PCs
- Past tense
- PCed
Fill the gap
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The press release was _____'d so heavily it barely said anything.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “PC” mean?
The word “PC” means to reword something so it avoids offending any group; to sanitize language. In plain terms, to make something "politically correct" by softening or removing language that might offend.
How do you pronounce “PC”?
“PC” is pronounced pee-SEE (/ˌpiː ˈsiː/ in IPA).
How do you use “PC” in a sentence?
Here is “PC” used in a sentence: “The press release was PC'd so heavily it barely said anything.”
What part of speech is “PC”?
“PC” is a verb.
Is “PC” a common word?
“PC” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What does it mean to "PC" something?
To PC something means to reword it so it avoids offending any group, replacing language that might be seen as insensitive with more neutral or inclusive terms. Short for "make politically correct," it is used as a verb — to PC a joke, a memo or a job title by softening or sanitizing the wording.
What is the difference between PCing language and censorship?
PCing language means rewording something to make it less likely to offend, while keeping the message. Censorship means removing or blocking content altogether. One rephrases; the other suppresses. The line can blur, which is why critics sometimes call heavy-handed rewording a soft form of censorship, and supporters call it simple courtesy.
What is an example of PCing a phrase?
Swapping an outdated job title like "chairman" for "chair" or "chairperson" is a common example. So is replacing a blunt term with a gentler one — "let go" instead of "fired," or "person experiencing homelessness" instead of older labels. Each reword aims to describe the same thing in a less loaded way.
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