Caucasoids

/ˈkɔːkeɪzɔɪdz/ noun

Definition

Plural of Caucasoid; an obsolete term no longer used in modern anthropology or genetics due to its scientific invalidity and association with racist classification systems.

Etymology

Plural of Caucasoid, which was itself a problematic 19th-century term. Modern scientists have completely abandoned this classification system in favor of understanding human diversity through genetics and culture.

Kelly Says

The fact that this word exists and was mainstream shows how recently bad science influenced how we thought about people—scientists in the 1900s used words like this all the time, which is why we should be skeptical of 'scientific' claims about inherent differences between groups!

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of a discredited racial category (mid-20th century). These taxonomies erased women's experiences and perpetuated racial hierarchies.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid. Use specific ethnic, national, or geographic identities instead.

Inclusive Alternatives

["people of European descent","specific ethnic/national groups"]

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.