The Evolution of the Term Woke: Insights from Expert Scholars

The word woke has traveled a complex path from its origins to its current status as a polarizing buzzword. Once a term rooted in awareness and social justice, it has evolved into a slur wielded in political and cultural debates.

I recently had the opportunity to join two other scholars in discussing this transformation in an article titled How “Woke” Became a Slur on Colorlines. Here, I share key insights from that conversation and explore how the term’s meaning shifted over time.

The changing definitions of 'woke' over time

Origins of the Term Woke

The term woke originally emerged within African American Vernacular English (AAVE) as a call to stay alert to social injustices, especially those related to race. It encouraged vigilance against systemic racism and discrimination. Early uses of woke in the 20th century reflected a positive, empowering message: to be woke meant to be conscious of societal inequalities and ready to challenge them.

For example, in the 1940s, the phrase “stay woke” appeared in black communities as a reminder to remain aware of racial prejudice and police brutality. This grassroots usage highlighted the term’s connection to lived experience and activism.

Shift in Popularity and Meaning

The term gained wider recognition during the Black Lives Matter movement in the 2010s. Activists and allies used woke to signify awareness of systemic oppression beyond just race, including gender, sexuality, and economic inequality. It became a shorthand for progressive social consciousness.

However, as woke entered mainstream discourse, its meaning began to shift. Media outlets and political commentators started using it sarcastically or critically, often to dismiss or mock social justice efforts. This change marked the beginning of woke’s transformation into a slur.

How Woke Became a Slur

The article on Colorlines highlights how woke became a weapon in culture wars. Opponents of progressive movements adopted the term to criticize what they saw as excessive political correctness or moral posturing. This usage stripped woke of its original empowering context and turned it into a label for perceived overreach or intolerance.

This shift reflects broader political polarization. The term now often signals division rather than unity, with different groups assigning it contrasting meanings. For some, woke remains a badge of awareness and justice. For others, it is a pejorative term used to shut down conversations about inequality.

The Importance of Understanding Context

Understanding the history of woke is crucial for meaningful dialogue. The term’s evolution shows how language can be shaped by social and political forces. It also reminds us to consider the origins and intentions behind words before adopting or rejecting them.

In academic discussions, recognizing the layered meanings of woke helps avoid oversimplification. It encourages us to engage with the complexities of social justice language and the communities that created it.

Moving Forward with Clarity

The story of woke teaches us that words carry power beyond their dictionary definitions. As scholars and thinkers, we must approach such terms with nuance and respect. This means acknowledging their roots, tracking their changes, and using them thoughtfully in conversation.

By doing so, we can foster better understanding across divides and support more productive discussions about justice and equity.

Read the full article here