Caucasic

/kɔːˈkeɪsɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the Caucasus region, its people, languages, or geographical characteristics; or relating to the now-disputed 'Caucasian' racial classification.

Etymology

Adjectival form derived from Caucasus + -ic suffix. Used to describe things related to the Caucasus geographical region or its linguistic and cultural properties.

Kelly Says

The Caucasus is a genuine linguistic hotspot where languages from completely different families exist side-by-side—Caucasian languages are so different from Indo-European that it took centuries for linguists to even figure out how they relate to anything.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Related to the racial taxonomy of 'Caucasian' — a discredited 18th-century construct. Early racial science often used male skeletons/features as the standard of racial types.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid. Use geographic or specific ethnic identifiers instead.

Inclusive Alternatives

["European-origin","of Caucasus region","specific ethnic identity"]

Related Words

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