Overview

• Third Way’s memo, titled “Was It Something I Said?,” lists dozens of words to avoid and groups them into six categories including Therapy-Speak and Explaining Away Crime.
• Flagged examples include “birthing person,” “cisgender,” “Latinx,” “the unhoused,” and “justice-involved,” which the authors argue make persuadable voters feel excluded.
• Co-founder Matt Bennett says Democrats should “talk like a normal person,” and the group will promote the guidance through social media, podcasts, and briefings for allies.
• The memo acknowledges likely objections and notes Third Way has used some of the listed phrases in its own past work.
• Coverage reflects sharp partisan reactions, with conservative outlets mocking the terms and progressive voices disputing that inclusive language hurts Democrats, while some compare the push to Trump administration word restrictions.