A small object that represents something else, such as a coin‑like piece used instead of money, or a sign of a feeling or event. It can also mean something done only to appear fair or caring, not in a deep or real way.
From Old English 'tāc(e)n' meaning 'sign, symbol, evidence,' related to 'teach' and 'token' in other Germanic languages. The spelling shifted over time to 'token.' The sense of 'symbolic item' has remained central.
Subway tokens and arcade tokens are literal stand‑ins for money, but 'token effort' or 'token woman' shows a more critical sense: something done just for appearances. The word reveals how we can sense when inclusion or kindness is symbolic rather than real. It’s all about the gap between symbol and substance.
In social and workplace contexts, 'token' came to describe individuals from marginalized groups, often women or racial minorities, included only for appearance of diversity. This reflects histories where one woman or minority hire was expected to stand in for an entire group.
Avoid calling people 'tokens'; instead, describe structural problems like 'tokenism' or 'symbolic inclusion.' Emphasize individuals’ expertise and roles rather than their demographic status.
["individual","colleague","team member","representative (if chosen role)","discussion of 'tokenism' instead of 'token person'"]
Women and other marginalized professionals have documented and theorized tokenism, making visible how they were isolated and instrumentalized in institutions while pushing for substantive, not symbolic, inclusion.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.