Woke

The word “woke” has changed a lot over time:

• Originally (African American Vernacular English, mid-1900s):
  Woke meant being awake and aware, especially about social and racial injustice. For example, someone who understood systemic racism or inequality might be described as “staying woke.”
• Modern positive use:
  Still used by some to mean being socially conscious, aware of inequality, and supportive of justice (race, gender, LGBTQ+, environment, etc.).
• Modern negative/critical use:
  In politics and media, some people use woke as a derogatory label for what they see as overly progressive or performative activism—like focusing too much on identity politics or being “too politically correct.”