What does "microinsult" mean?
A form or instance of microaggression that demeans a person's racial heritage or identity.
Microinsult
noun, verb
noun, verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A form or instance of microaggression that demeans a person's racial heritage or identity.
- Grammar: microinsult is listed as noun, verb.
- Usage evidence: In contrast to microassaults, microinsults and microinvalidations function as unconscious expressions of sexist ideals, making them more difficult to detect. Microinsults are characterized by covert expressions of ethnocentrism and patriarchy. Gender-based microinsults convey hidden offensive messages, while the perpetrators may remain unaware of the negative connotations reflected by their words and actions.
How to use "microinsult"
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Source and review context
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A form or instance of microaggression that demeans a person's racial heritage or identity.
"In contrast to microassaults, microinsults and microinvalidations function as unconscious expressions of sexist ideals, making them more difficult to detect. Microinsults are characterized by covert expressions of ethnocentrism and patriarchy. Gender-based microinsults convey hidden offensive messages, while the perpetrators may remain unaware of the negative connotations reflected by their words and actions."
Verb
- 1 To engage in the practice of making microinsults. rare
"For example, changing seats to be further away from a^([sic]) LGBT person would be microinsulting, while creating an environment where someone feels pushed to "stay in the closet" can be considered microinvalidating. Second, the heterosexist and homonegative behaviors may appear to be harmless but may have a cumulative impact on the LGBT recipient of these microaggressions."
Example
"In contrast to microassaults, microinsults and microinvalidations function as unconscious expressions of sexist ideals, making them more difficult to detect. Microinsults are characterized by covert expressions of ethnocentrism and patriarchy. Gender-based microinsults convey hidden offensive messages, while the perpetrators may remain unaware of the negative connotations reflected by their words and actions."
Common questions
How do you use "microinsult" in a sentence?
In contrast to microassaults, microinsults and microinvalidations function as unconscious expressions of sexist ideals, making them more difficult to detect. Microinsults are characterized by covert expressions of ethnocentrism and patriarchy. Gender-based microinsults convey hidden offensive messages, while the perpetrators may remain unaware of the negative connotations reflected by their words and actions.
Etymology
From micro- + insult.