Conscious Style: Naming
Tribes / Tribal / Indigenous / Indian / Native American
Use terms that are accurate, respectful, and approved by the Office of Public Affairs (OPA). When referring to a specific tribe, use the tribe’s full, official name.
If you're unsure which term to use, check with OPA or follow the tribe’s own naming preferences.
Age
Use:
- Older person or senior
Avoid:
- Elderly (can sound outdated or negative)
Nationality
Avoid using citizen as a general term for people in the U.S. Many government services are for non-citizens too.
Instead, use terms like:
- People
- The public
- Users
- Folks
Be specific when possible:
- People who need healthcare
- People using online government services
Use citizens only when referring to legal U.S. citizenship, such as voting eligibility.
Be careful with terms like Americans or the American public. These can be unclear or exclude non-citizens. Use the public when you want to be more inclusive. However, Americans may be appropriate in patriotic or inspirational contexts.
Gender
Use gender-neutral language:
- Use they, them, and their
- Avoid gendered terms like fireman or chairman
Use: firefighter, chairperson
Avoid stereotypes:
- Don’t use phrases like so simple your mother can use it
- Don’t describe people based on appearance unless it’s relevant
