The language we use can either open doors or close them. I’ve been thinking about how everyday phrases carry hidden histories, and how that affects people’s sense of belonging. This blog explores why inclusive language isn’t just a nice-to-have, but essential for co-production and good care and support.
We all deserve to learn in spaces that include us
In the UK, we believe learning should lift people up, not leave people out. That means creating spaces, workshops, webinars, strategy sessions, and care and support planning conversations where everyone feels they belong.
Whether you’re leading a session, attending as a learner, or sharing your lived experience, the words used to shape those spaces send powerful signals.
They tell us, who is welcome? Who holds knowledge? Who does the system listen to? Who does it leave behind?
That’s why, at TLAP, we’re paying closer attention to language, not to call people out, but to invite everyone in, because when we know better, we do better.
Our everyday words still echo old hierarchies
Take the word “masterclass”: it might sound flattering, implying excellence, skill, and prestige. But when we peel back the layers, we see it’s a term with roots in hierarchy, domination, and exclusion. Historically, “master” is not just about expertise, it’s about control. About being above others; the master and the apprentice, the master and the subject, the master and the slave. These power dynamics are not neutral.
In a country shaped by colonialism and class structures, the echoes of these hierarchies still ring out even when unintended. Using “masterclass” without thinking about its historical baggage can unconsciously signal who’s in charge, whose knowledge matters, and who the space was designed for.
For many people from Black and Global Majority communities, these terms aren’t abstract, they carry generational weight, the legacy of empire, enslavement, and enforced silence. And “masterclass” isn’t the only example. Other terms that creep into our everyday language often without question include:
- “Nitty gritty” A phrase with suspected origins in the transatlantic slave trade, referring to the detritus at the bottom of slave ships.
- “Pecking order” A term drawn from observations of animal dominance hierarchies, but often used to describe rigid, human power structures.
- “Sold down the river” A phrase linked to the selling of enslaved people down the Mississippi River into even harsher conditions.
- “Guru” A sacred term in Indian religions that’s often used casually in Western spaces, flattening deep spiritual meaning into corporate buzzwords.
These expressions can create discomfort and even pain for those who carry the weight of these histories. But most of all, they exclude. They set a tone that says: “This space was built with someone else in mind,” and that’s the opposite of what inclusive, co-produced care is meant to be.
Let’s use language that invites people in, not leaves them out
We’re not saying anyone who’s ever said “masterclass” or “nitty gritty” is a bad person. We are saying this: our words have power. And as we build a fairer, more inclusive care system, we need language that reflects that ambition.
This isn’t about cancel culture, it’s about culture growth and choosing words that align with our values of inclusion, equity, and dignity. Words that invite and that centre on shared growth, not hierarchy.
So instead of “masterclass” try:
- deep dive
- intensive session
- learning exchange
- shared wisdom workshop
- expert-led session
- brilliant basics and beyond
These alternatives emphasise mutual learning, collaboration, and co-production as cornerstones of good social care practice.
And instead of “nitty gritty” how about:
- the essentials
- the heart of it
- the real issue
- the key details
These small swaps can make a big difference. They say: “We’ve thought about how this might feel to you.” That’s how we build psychological safety, that’s how we make co-production real. It’s a call to curiosity, not shame.
We know language evolves, and we know many of us were never taught the origins of these phrases. That’s why this is an invitation, not a telling-off. It’s an invitation to stay curious, to ask questions, and to grow together. It’s also an invitation to those creating and shaping care spaces — local authorities, care providers, workshop facilitators, strategists, and trainers — to think about the impact of the language they use.
At TLAP, we hold this truth close: the words we choose help shape the worlds we create. Language isn’t just what we say, it’s how we see. And when we choose words rooted in dignity and equity, we’re not being overly sensitive, we’re being strategic. We’re saying: “This space is for you. No gatekeepers, no ghosts of empire, just people, learning and leading together, to create care that includes everyone.”
Let’s build that better vocabulary, and that better system, together. Because words build worlds, let’s choose ours wisely.
Explore the Language Hub for more thoughts on the language of care and support.
