Words Matter: Everyday Sayings to Reconsider for a More Inclusive Workplace

Imagine This

At a monthly all-hands meeting, the marketing director praised the younger team members for their quick adoption of a new digital tool, then jokingly added, "You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, right?" as she glanced at the senior employees.

 While laughter filled the room, Raj, a seasoned strategist who had just completed advanced training on AI analytics, felt dismissed. He had been one of the first to master the tool and even mentored colleagues on it.

 Later, Raj shared with his colleague that the comment made him feel undervalued and reinforced the stereotype that older employees can't learn or adapt. He began questioning whether his experience and contributions would ever be truly appreciated.

 In this scenario, what seemed like a lighthearted joke undermined an inclusive, growth-oriented culture — sending an unintended message that age limits innovation and learning.

Language Shapes Culture

Nowadays, creating inclusive workplaces isn't just a corporate responsibility — it's a vital element of thriving, innovative, and compassionate organizations.

While we often focus on policies, training programs, and leadership commitments to drive inclusion, one of the most powerful tools for fostering a sense of belonging is often overlooked: our everyday language.

The words we use send subtle but powerful messages about who is valued, who belongs, and who might be left out. Even seemingly harmless phrases can reinforce stereotypes, perpetuate biases, and make people feel excluded or marginalized.

Some phrases were always problematic, others developed troubling associations later, and still others are debated among scholars and communities.

Understanding the complex history of our common expressions helps us make more conscious choices about our communication.

What matters most, though, is being aware of how our words might affect others and choosing language that builds bridges rather than barriers. When we shift our language thoughtfully, we signal our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute their best.

Here are a few common phrases worth reconsidering, along with insights on why they may be problematic and inclusive alternatives you can use instead.

1. "You can't teach an old dog new tricks"

This saying reinforces ageist stereotypes, suggesting that older people are resistant to learning or unable to adapt. In reality, learning and growth are lifelong journeys. People of all ages bring valuable skills and perspectives, and they can absolutely continue to develop and innovate when given support and opportunities.

Inclusive alternative: "Everyone can learn and grow at any stage of life."

2. "The blind leading the blind"

This phrase uses blindness as a metaphor for incompetence or ignorance, perpetuating ableist ideas that link disability with incapacity. When we use disability-related terms as negative metaphors, we contribute to stigmatization and exclude people with disabilities from feeling fully included and respected.

Inclusive alternatives: "The uninformed guiding the uninformed" or "People without expertise leading others without expertise."

3. "Crippled by" (e.g., "crippled by debt")

Here again, using "crippled" metaphorically implies that disability is synonymous with weakness or severe limitation, reinforcing ableist narratives. This can make people with disabilities feel that their experiences are being used as negative metaphors rather than recognized and respected.

Inclusive alternatives: "Overwhelmed by," "Burdened by," or "Struggling with."

4. "Powwow" (used to describe a meeting)

"Powwow" refers to a sacred gathering of Native American communities, often with deep spiritual and cultural significance. Using it to describe a casual meeting or brainstorming session trivializes and appropriates Indigenous traditions. Respecting cultural terms and practices is essential to fostering an inclusive workplace where all backgrounds are honored.

Inclusive alternatives: "Meeting," "Gathering," or "Discussion."

5. "Rule of thumb"

This phrase dates back to at least the 1600s and refers to using one’s thumb as a rough measuring tool. There is evidence of this in woodworking, where people used the width of a thumb to estimate an inch. In the 1970s and 1980s, some mistakenly believed it referred to an old English common law supposedly allowing a man to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb. Scholars have shown no evidence that this was ever an actual law — it was a misinterpretation that took hold in public discourse. Even though the domestic violence association is incorrect, this myth persists and can evoke harm or discomfort for some audiences.

Inclusive alternatives: General guideline, basic principle, or rough estimate.

Final Thoughts

It's important to note that language is complex and constantly evolving.

Some of these phrases have debated etymologies, and people may have different comfort levels with various expressions. The goal isn't to eliminate every potentially problematic word, but rather to be more conscious about our language choices and their potential impact on others.

When someone points out that a phrase might be harmful, consider it an opportunity for learning rather than defensiveness.

Intent matters, but so does impact. We can acknowledge that we didn't mean harm while still being willing to adjust our language to be more inclusive.

Our words shape the environments we create. When we continue using phrases that may alienate or marginalize others — whether through their original meanings or later associations — we risk creating barriers to inclusion.

However, each time we choose more inclusive words, we signal to our colleagues, clients, and communities that we are striving to create a more respectful and harmonious organization.

Language is powerful. Let’s use it to build bridges, not barriers.

Free Resource

👉 👉 If you'd like a beautifully designed PDF version with additional phrases and a discussion guide to share with your team or use in internal training, just send me an email at [email protected].

Let’s keep this important conversation going, together.