abbreviation

POC

pee-oh-SEE

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POC (abbreviation) means Person of colour: someone who is not white. Also used as people of colour. Example: “The panel was made up entirely of POC creators.”

abbreviation

chiefly American Person of colour: someone who is not white. Also used as people of colour.

"The panel was made up entirely of POC creators."

"The scheme is aimed at POC applicants in the industry."

business, technology Proof of concept: a small trial version built to show that an idea can actually work before full resources are committed.

"We shipped a POC in two weeks to prove the integration was possible."

business Point of contact: the named person you deal with about a particular matter.

"Sarah is your POC for anything invoicing related."

How to use POC

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDepending on context: a person who is not white, a trial version proving an idea works, or the person you should contact.

When to use it

Sense 1 is standard in American social and media writing; British writers use it less. Senses 2 and 3 are workplace shorthand and are usually capitalised.

Memory tip

A proof of concept only has to show an idea is possible; an MVP has to be usable by real customers.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

BIPOC → POA → MVP →

Common pairings

women of colour BIPOC and POC build a POC POC stage single point of contact

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “POC” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The panel was made up entirely of _____ creators.

Etymology

An initialism; each sense abbreviates a different phrase.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

person of color BIPOC prototype pilot trial contact liaison

Related words

call meet test original drive contact link reach

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between POC and BIPOC?

POC covers all people who are not white. BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous and people of colour, and deliberately names Black and Indigenous people separately to highlight their distinct histories. BIPOC is the newer and more specific term.

What is the difference between a POC and an MVP?

A proof of concept answers "can this be done at all?" and is often thrown away afterwards. A minimum viable product is a real, working release put in front of users to test whether they want it. A POC proves feasibility; an MVP tests demand.

Does POC mean point of contact or proof of concept?

Both, and the field you are working in decides. In engineering and product discussions it is proof of concept; in project admin, contracts and government work it is usually point of contact.

What is the meaning of POC?

"POC" (abbreviation) means person of colour: someone who is not white. Also used as people of colour.

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