Miss Manners: Has the ‘woke mob’ changed our language while I wasn’t looking?

Key Takeaways:

• Judith Martin, known as Miss Manners, responds to concerns about changing language.
• The term “woke mob” raises questions over whether social movements alter everyday vocabulary.
• Lexicographers document language evolution rather than dictating it.
• Language change is part of an ongoing social process.
• Etiquette adapts alongside shifting cultural values.

The Concern Over ‘Woke’ Language

Language has become a flashpoint for debates about social issues, prompting some to wonder whether a so-called “woke mob” has taken over how words are used. In a recent Miss Manners column, an anxious reader questioned whether vocabulary is changing too fast or being forcibly reshaped by current social movements.

Miss Manners’ Response

Advice columnist Judith Martin, widely known as Miss Manners, offers reassurance that language is naturally dynamic. Rather than complaining about change, she notes, people can benefit from accepting that vocabulary shifts, often reflecting broader social or cultural developments.

Lexicographers and Social Trends

Martin highlights the role of lexicographers, explaining that they do not unilaterally decide which words to accept or reject. Instead, they meticulously observe evolving word choices, usage patterns, and public discourse—only then do they update dictionaries to match what speakers already embrace in everyday conversations.

How Language Evolves

While new terms may spark controversy, Miss Manners points out that speech has always shifted in response to social attitudes. Whether it’s societal sensitivity or generational influence, words gain or lose favor through common usage, illustrating an ongoing historical process rather than a sudden upheaval.

Etiquette in a Changing World

Miss Manners reminds readers that politeness is about respect and understanding, which often means staying informed about civil discourse. She indicates that courtesy can involve learning emerging terms or refraining from using language that offends, reinforcing the idea that good manners align with society’s linguistic evolution.