Trump's Dictionary of Banned Words

“Some taboo words become positive words.”
Intelligent and Beautiful Expressions Found in Hate and Disgust “I have taken action to eliminate all discriminatory DEI policies.”
In January 2025, President Donald Trump's single utterance on the World Economic Forum stage was more than a simple declaration; it was an explosive declaration that starkly exposed the clash of language and power our society faces at this very moment. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), which he disparaged as "absolute nonsense," has become a concept symbolizing justice and inclusion in American society, along with the word "woke." However, some extreme conservatives are labeling it "leftist language" and "anti-American expression," inciting a culture war. Amidst this trend, President Donald Trump has become the vanguard of this cultural war. - From the Prologue "Trump's Dictionary of Banned Words" is a book compiled in the form of a dictionary of concepts, including words and expressions that disappeared from various administrative departments and public institutions after the Trump administration took office in January 2025. The sheer number of these "woke words" banned from public spaces shocked people. This was because the banned list included words frequently used in recent political, social, and educational fields, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; words that highlighted social injustices, such as intersectionality, solidarity, stereotypes, injustice, racism, minorities, prejudice, hate speech, sexual identity, confirmation bias, women, marginalized groups, barriers, undervaluation, marginalization, and climate crisis; and words related to personal identity. These words were all so-called positive words.
Since December 2024, interest in and participation in politics has increased across all generations in Korean society. The perception that being apolitical has been considered "cool" has shifted, and many people are now seriously considering the close connection between politics and daily life. This series of events unfolding in the United States evokes a sense of déjà vu. A World in Words: A Clear Introduction to Current Affairs
The ultimate goal of this book is to understand the social implications of political actions that publicly suppress certain words and expressions and how they impact our lives. It seeks to answer the question of how language is wielded as a weapon in contemporary politics. The words banned by the Trump administration are not simply vocabulary; they represent a clash of ideologies and power. This book explains the context in which these words emerged and why they were rejected or appropriated by certain factions. However, not all of the 170 or so words included in this book are progressive affirmations. For example, "cultural heritage," originally neutral in meaning, was appropriated by the American far-right for a specific political message and ended up on the banned list.
As we live in an era of ongoing conflict and confrontation, we will encounter these words in every area of ​​our lives. Therefore, while it's essential to know the English expressions included in this book, it's equally crucial to understand the concepts.
"Dictionary of Trump Banned Words" is the first in the "World Through Words" series, which explores a variety of liberal arts topics from a beginner's perspective. It examines the meanings and practical usage of words that have become essential knowledge when watching political news, reading social articles, or conducting business. It clearly defines core concepts, clarifying meanings that were previously vaguely understood even when used.
Professor Kim Bong-joong, a historian who is familiar to the public through his lectures on American history on tvN's educational program "Naked World History," combines 170 English words that are currently at the center of the most heated debate into 10 topics including fairness, equity, diversity, health, sexual minorities, women, race, and the environment, and fascinatingly unravels the historical background and meaning hidden in the language we have been using without thinking.

How to be swayed by fake arguments and think smart
There's a world that can only be seen when you truly understand words. Language has the power to enable critical thinking, contextualize situations, and see the world from diverse perspectives. To cultivate inclusive and multifaceted thinking, we need to clearly define the words that form the basis of our thinking.
According to an announcement by PEN America, an international writers' organization, the list of banned words in the United States has already surpassed 350. American society is abuzz with news about this issue every day. The current controversy surrounding banned words is a politically motivated, spurious debate. To truly grasp the true meaning of this controversy, we must delve deeper. To do so, we must understand the underlying background. Therefore, this book is not simply a vocabulary textbook. It goes beyond defining words, explaining the historical context of their origins and evolution, as well as their social impact. Understanding banned words is tantamount to understanding the core values ​​that drive modern society. Understanding America means understanding the flow and direction of the world. The words the Trump administration has banned are the names of values ​​that will become increasingly important in our society. We are witnessing history unfolding before our very eyes.
Anyone who wants to cultivate linguistic sophistication and critical thinking without being swayed by false arguments is encouraged to participate in the linguistic debates in this book. Words will gradually accumulate, opening your eyes to a more balanced view of the world. I particularly recommend this book to the following readers:

1. A liberal arts intellectual interested in current affairs, politics, and society.
Readers of humanities books who are sensitive to issues of ideological debate, censorship, or language control, and who are interested in woke culture, political correctness, or the backlash and distortions against them.

2. People in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s who want to develop their 'intellectual fighting power'
Readers who want to stay centered amidst the deluge of information pouring in from social media and online communities, and college students and office workers who want to build a foundation in political and social discourse.

3. Professionals and aspiring professionals interested in the politics of language and discourse.
Those who are sensitive to the relationship between language and power, the political nature and influence of language, and who must immediately apply them to their work; educators, journalists, civil servants, and media workers who must prepare for the AI ​​era and a multicultural society.

4. Cultural connoisseurs who are aware of and interested in the term Woke.
People who are sensitive to the culture war taking place in online spaces such as Netflix, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.