Top 30 Slang For Bias – Meaning & Usage

Biases are a common part of human nature, shaping our perceptions and decisions without us even realizing it. In this list, we’ve gathered some of the most popular slang terms for bias that you might encounter in everyday conversations. Let’s dive in and uncover the language that sheds light on this complex topic, allowing you to navigate discussions with a deeper understanding and awareness.

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1. Prejudice

Prejudice refers to a preconceived opinion or judgment about a person or group, usually based on stereotypes or limited information.

For example, “Her prejudice against people from a certain country prevented her from giving them a fair chance.”
In a discussion about racial inequality, someone might say, “We need to address the prejudice that still exists in our society.”
A news article might highlight a case of prejudice, stating, “The incident exposed the deep-rooted prejudice within the police force.”

2. Discrimination

Discrimination is the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics, such as race, gender, or age.

For instance, “She faced discrimination when she was denied a job because of her disability.”
In a conversation about workplace equality, someone might say, “We need to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for all.”
An article about gender discrimination might state, “The study revealed the extent of discrimination faced by women in the tech industry.”

3. Favoritism

Favoritism refers to the practice of showing preferential treatment to one person or group over others, often based on personal bias or connections.

For example, “Her manager’s favoritism towards certain employees created a hostile work environment.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might say, “The coach’s favoritism towards certain players is affecting team morale.”
An article about nepotism in politics might state, “The politician faced criticism for his blatant favoritism towards his family members.”

4. Partiality

Partiality refers to a biased or unfair inclination towards a particular person, group, or idea.

For instance, “The judge’s partiality towards the defendant raised concerns about the fairness of the trial.”
In a conversation about media bias, someone might say, “We need to hold journalists accountable for their partiality in reporting.”
An opinion piece might criticize a politician’s partiality, stating, “His policy decisions clearly reflect his personal partiality rather than the needs of the people.”

5. Bigotry

Bigotry refers to extreme intolerance, prejudice, or discrimination against individuals or groups based on their race, religion, or other characteristics.

For example, “His hateful comments revealed his deep-seated bigotry.”
In a discussion about LGBTQ+ rights, someone might say, “We must stand against bigotry and fight for equality.”
A news article might highlight a case of bigotry, stating, “The incident exposed the systemic bigotry within the education system.”

6. Racism

Racism refers to the belief that one race is superior to others and the resulting discrimination or prejudice against individuals of other races.

For example, a person might say, “Racism has no place in our society.”
In a discussion about social justice, one might argue, “Systemic racism is a pervasive issue that needs to be addressed.”
A news article might report, “The incident sparked a national conversation about racism and police brutality.”

7. Sexism

Sexism refers to the discrimination or prejudice based on a person’s gender, typically against women. It involves treating individuals unequally or unfairly based on their gender.

For instance, someone might say, “Sexism in the workplace is still a major problem.”
In a discussion about gender equality, one might argue, “We need to challenge and dismantle the patriarchal systems that perpetuate sexism.”
A news headline might read, “The film industry is being called out for its rampant sexism.”

8. Homophobia

Homophobia refers to the fear, hatred, or prejudice against individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or homosexuality in general.

For example, someone might say, “Homophobia has no place in a modern, inclusive society.”
In a discussion about LGBTQ+ rights, one might argue, “Homophobia perpetuates discrimination and denies individuals their basic human rights.”
A news article might report, “The politician’s homophobic comments sparked outrage among the LGBTQ+ community.”

9. Xenophobia

Xenophobia refers to the fear, hatred, or prejudice against individuals who are perceived as foreign or different from one’s own culture or nationality.

For instance, someone might say, “Xenophobia is a barrier to global understanding and cooperation.”
In a discussion about immigration, one might argue, “Xenophobia is often rooted in ignorance and a fear of change.”
A news headline might read, “Xenophobic attacks on immigrants increase tensions in the community.”

10. Ageism

Ageism refers to the discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their age, particularly against older individuals.

For example, someone might say, “Ageism in the workplace limits opportunities for older employees.”
In a discussion about age discrimination, one might argue, “Ageism perpetuates stereotypes and undervalues the contributions of older adults.”
A news article might report, “The company is facing a lawsuit for ageism in their hiring practices.”

11. Classism

Classism refers to the unfair treatment or prejudice against individuals or groups based on their social class. It is the belief that certain social classes are superior or inferior to others and can manifest in various forms of discrimination or unequal opportunities.

For example, a person might say, “The hiring process was biased towards those from privileged backgrounds, perpetuating classism.”
In a discussion about education, one might argue, “Classism in schools leads to unequal access to resources and opportunities.”
A social activist might advocate, “We need to address classism in our society and strive for equality among all social classes.”

12. Stereotyping

Stereotyping involves making simplistic assumptions or generalizations about a particular group of people based on their characteristics or traits. These assumptions are often based on limited or inaccurate information and can lead to biases and unfair judgments.

For instance, someone might say, “It’s important to challenge stereotypes and recognize the individuality of each person.”
In a conversation about racial stereotypes, one might argue, “Stereotyping perpetuates racism and hinders progress towards equality.”
An educator might emphasize, “Teaching students about stereotypes helps promote empathy and understanding.”

13. Injustice

Injustice refers to the absence of fairness or the violation of rights. It denotes situations where individuals or groups are treated unfairly or are denied their rights, often due to biases or prejudices.

For example, one might say, “The criminal justice system should strive for justice and fairness for all.”
In a discussion about social inequality, one might argue, “Injustice persists when certain groups are systematically marginalized and denied equal opportunities.”
An advocate for human rights might proclaim, “We must stand up against injustice and fight for equality.”

14. Unfairness

Unfairness refers to the absence of fairness or impartiality in a situation. It signifies instances where individuals or groups are treated in a biased or unjust manner, resulting in unequal outcomes or opportunities.

For instance, someone might say, “It’s important to address unfairness in the workplace to create a more inclusive environment.”
In a conversation about educational systems, one might argue, “Unfairness in grading and resource allocation perpetuates inequality.”
A social advocate might assert, “We need to challenge unfairness and advocate for equal treatment for all.”

15. Inequality

Inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, or privileges among individuals or groups. It highlights disparities and differences in social, economic, or political conditions, often resulting from biases or systemic factors.

For example, one might say, “Income inequality is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed for a more equitable society.”
In a discussion about gender inequality, one might argue, “Inequality persists when women are denied equal rights and opportunities.”
A social justice advocate might proclaim, “We must strive for equality and eliminate all forms of inequality.”

16. Unconscious Bias

This refers to biases that we are unaware of and that operate on an unconscious level. Unconscious biases can influence our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors without our conscious awareness.

For example, someone might have an unconscious bias that favors people of a certain race without realizing it.
In a discussion about diversity and inclusion, someone might say, “We need to address our unconscious biases in order to create a more equitable workplace.”
A workshop on unconscious bias might aim to make participants aware of their own biases and provide strategies for mitigating their impact.

17. Systemic Bias

This refers to biases that are built into systems, structures, and institutions, often resulting in unequal treatment or opportunities for certain groups of people. Systemic biases can be deeply ingrained and difficult to change.

For instance, an education system that consistently provides better resources and opportunities to students from wealthier neighborhoods may have systemic bias.
In a conversation about social justice, someone might argue, “We need to dismantle systemic biases in order to achieve true equality.”
A news article might highlight the systemic biases that contribute to the gender pay gap.

18. Inclination

This refers to a natural tendency or predisposition towards a particular opinion, belief, or action. Inclinations can be influenced by various factors, including personal experiences, upbringing, and cultural influences.

For example, someone might have an inclination to trust authority figures based on their upbringing.
In a discussion about political ideologies, someone might say, “My inclination is to support policies that prioritize social welfare.”
A psychologist might study the inclination towards risk-taking behavior among adolescents.

19. Predisposition

This refers to a preexisting tendency or inclination towards a particular opinion, belief, or behavior. Predispositions can be shaped by various factors, including genetics, upbringing, and personal experiences.

For instance, someone might have a predisposition towards being more open-minded based on their upbringing.
In a debate about nature vs. nurture, someone might argue, “Predispositions play a significant role in shaping our attitudes and behaviors.”
A researcher might study the genetic predispositions towards certain mental health conditions.

20. Tendency

This refers to a general inclination or likelihood towards a particular behavior, belief, or outcome. Tendencies can be influenced by various factors, including individual characteristics, environmental factors, and social influences.

For example, someone might have a tendency to procrastinate when faced with challenging tasks.
In a discussion about consumer behavior, someone might say, “There is a tendency for people to choose products that are endorsed by celebrities.”
A sociologist might study the tendency of certain groups to form close-knit communities.

21. Jaundiced eye

This phrase refers to viewing something with a biased or prejudiced perspective. It suggests that the person’s judgment is tainted or influenced by their preconceived notions.

For example, a news article might say, “He viewed the new policy with a jaundiced eye, believing it would only benefit the wealthy.”
In a discussion about a controversial issue, someone might comment, “It’s important to approach this topic with an open mind and not just see it through a jaundiced eye.”
A person might warn, “Be careful not to judge someone based on rumors or gossip. It’s easy to develop a jaundiced eye.”

22. One-sided

This term describes a perspective or argument that only presents one point of view while ignoring or dismissing opposing perspectives. It suggests a lack of fairness or objectivity.

For instance, a person might say, “The article presents a one-sided view of the issue, failing to consider alternative viewpoints.”
In a debate, someone might accuse their opponent of being one-sided by saying, “You’re only focusing on the benefits and ignoring the potential drawbacks.”
A reviewer might criticize a movie for being one-sided, stating, “The film clearly has an agenda and doesn’t present a balanced portrayal of the characters or events.”

23. Partisan

This term refers to someone who is strongly biased towards a particular group, cause, or political party. It suggests that the person’s views and actions are influenced by their affiliation or loyalty.

For example, a political commentator might say, “The partisan media outlets only present news that aligns with their own agenda.”
During an election, someone might accuse a candidate of being partisan by stating, “They only cater to their party’s interests and ignore the needs of the broader population.”
A person might caution against partisan thinking by saying, “It’s important to consider multiple perspectives and not let partisan biases cloud our judgment.”

24. Ableism

This term refers to discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities. It encompasses attitudes, actions, and policies that exclude or marginalize people based on their disabilities.

For instance, someone might say, “Using derogatory language towards people with disabilities is a form of ableism.”
In a discussion about accessibility, a person might point out instances of ableism by stating, “Many public spaces still lack proper accommodations, perpetuating ableism.”
An activist might raise awareness about ableism by organizing events or campaigns that promote inclusivity and equality.

25. Casteism

This term refers to discrimination or prejudice based on the hierarchical social caste system prevalent in certain societies. It encompasses the unfair treatment, exclusion, or marginalization of individuals based on their caste.

For example, someone might say, “Casteism still persists in some regions, leading to social and economic disparities.”
In a discussion about social justice, a person might highlight instances of casteism by stating, “People from lower castes often face discrimination in education and employment.”
An advocate for equality might work towards eliminating casteism by promoting awareness, education, and policy changes.

26. Colorism

Colorism refers to the bias or discrimination against individuals with a darker skin tone, typically within the same racial or ethnic group. It can involve the preference for lighter skin and the belief that lighter skin is more desirable or superior.

For example, colorism can manifest in the entertainment industry where actors with lighter skin tones are often given more prominent roles.
In a discussion about beauty standards, someone might say, “Colorism perpetuates harmful stereotypes and ideals of beauty.”
Colorism can also be seen in dating preferences, where individuals may express a preference for partners with lighter skin.

27. Nationalism

Nationalism refers to a strong sense of love, loyalty, and devotion towards one’s own country or nation. It often involves a belief in the superiority of one’s own nation and can sometimes lead to exclusion or hostility towards other nations or ethnic groups.

For instance, a nationalist might advocate for policies that prioritize the interests of their own country over global cooperation.
In a political debate, someone might argue, “Nationalism can sometimes lead to a narrow-minded view of the world and a disregard for the needs of other nations.”
Nationalism can also be seen in sports events where fans display fervent support for their national teams.

28. Jingoism

Jingoism refers to an extreme and aggressive form of nationalism that often involves advocating for military aggression and a belligerent foreign policy. It is characterized by a fervent and bellicose patriotism that glorifies war and promotes a confrontational stance towards other countries.

For example, a jingoistic politician might use inflammatory language to rally support for a war.
In a discussion about international relations, someone might argue, “Jingoism can lead to unnecessary conflicts and strained diplomatic relations.”
Jingoism can also be seen in the media where sensationalized news coverage promotes a sense of fear and hostility towards other nations.

29. Misandry

Misandry refers to the hatred, contempt, or prejudice against men or boys. It is the counterpart to misogyny, which refers to the hatred or prejudice against women or girls.

For instance, misandry can manifest in discriminatory practices or stereotypes that portray men in a negative light.
In a conversation about gender equality, someone might argue, “Misandry is not the solution to misogyny; we should strive for equal treatment for all.”
Misandry can also be seen in online discussions or social media platforms where derogatory comments or memes targeting men are shared.

30. Preconception

Preconception refers to a prejudice or bias that is based on preconceived notions or beliefs, rather than on actual knowledge or experience. It involves forming judgments or opinions about someone or something before having all the relevant facts.

For example, preconception can lead to stereotypes and discrimination against individuals based on their race, gender, or background.
In a discussion about overcoming bias, someone might say, “We need to challenge our preconceptions and approach each person with an open mind.”
Preconception can also be seen in hiring practices where certain candidates are favored or excluded based on assumptions rather than qualifications.