In Hidden Phrases
- Megan K. Ramirez, PMHNP
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Have you ever repeated a word or phrase you thought was harmless, only to find out that wasn’t the case? Some of the sayings we use—or grew up using—are rooted in hatred and injustice, while others were meant to demoralize or humiliate.
Bodhi Counseling believes that the words we use shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. We're committed to fostering awareness, inclusivity, and healing—not just in therapy sessions, but in everyday conversations.
I'm in the process of unlearning many things I was "taught" throughout life and educating myself with the "truth" or facts of the matter. Unlearning isn’t always easy, so I thought I’d share one of my many starting points.
Master Bedroom/Bathroom is something we see in almost every housing ad in 2025. The phrase was first coined by the Sears catalog in 1926. If we think back to the not-so-long-ago days of slavery, we’ll see that in most plantation homes, there were areas for the "Masters" and designated areas for the slaves or "help."
Grandfathered In originated after the Civil War, when laws were created to block Black people from voting through literacy tests and other barriers. Since these tests also affected many white voters, a loophole was added: if a person’s grandfather had voting rights before the war, they could vote without meeting the new requirements. This allowed white citizens to bypass the rules, while Black citizens remained excluded.
Off the reservation is a phrase that came from the U.S. government restricting Native American people to reservations or designated land where they were forced to follow government orders. This phrase has been used to describe someone who’s deviating from what’s expected.
Lowest on the totem pole is an expression used to suggest the least important or lowest ranking, when in reality, for some Native Americans, the lowest position on the totem pole is one of the most prestigious and respected. It was often the most ornately decorated of all the carvings on the pole.
Long time, no see / No can do are phrases developed to mimic some Asian Americans’ speech and reinforced the stereotype of "foreigner forever."
"Hip Hip" Hooray is used as a celebratory cheer; however, it’s rooted in antisemitism. "Hep Hep" was a chant used when German soldiers were searching for Jewish people under Hitler’s orders.
No problemo is considered mock Spanish, which can be seen as linguistic mockery and may be offensive.
No way, José is used to express strong disagreement like "absolutely not." While it appears innocent enough, it can be viewed as dismissive or condescending.
Eenie Meenie Miney, Mo comes from a children’s rhyme often used in games involving choice. While there are versions of this rhyme in other languages, in the United States, it was historically used to taunt Black people with vulgar language.
Sold down the river is a phrase used to describe betrayal or disloyalty. It refers to the time when enslaved people were literally sold down the Mississippi River to harsher plantations.
Uppity was used during the Jim Crow era to describe African Americans who weren’t willing to conform to an oppressive society or accept second-class status.
If you stuck with me through all that—thank you! This blog post isn’t about shaming anyone for using these expressions. Instead, it’s an invitation to examine the words we use more critically and to understand the stories behind them. By learning the historical context of certain phrases, we can make more informed choices about our language and contribute to a more inclusive and respectful way of speaking.
If this post resonated with you, we invite you to connect with our culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed therapists. To schedule a consultation, reach out at info@bodhicounseling.com. We're here to support your journey toward greater understanding and emotional wellness.
References:
Comments