cancel culture: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighInformal, Journalistic, Academic (Social Sciences)
Quick answer
What does “cancel culture” mean?
A contemporary social phenomenon where individuals or groups face public backlash, boycott, or ostracism (typically on social media) for behavior or opinions deemed unacceptable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A contemporary social phenomenon where individuals or groups face public backlash, boycott, or ostracism (typically on social media) for behavior or opinions deemed unacceptable.
The practice or tendency within a community to withdraw support for and publicly criticize, shame, or exclude a person, organization, or work perceived to have acted or spoken in a socially unacceptable manner, often leading to professional or social consequences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term originated in US contexts but is now used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally charged in both dialects, often carrying strong ideological connotations. May be used more frequently in US media discourse.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the term's origin in Black American Twitter and US political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “cancel culture” in a Sentence
[Subject] faces cancel culture for [action/statement].[Subject] was cancelled.The debate over cancel culture continues.[Subject] is a product of cancel culture.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cancel culture” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The online mob sought to cancel the comedian for his decade-old tweets.
- After the scandal, several brands cancelled their contracts with the influencer.
American English
- They're trying to cancel the professor over that editorial.
- The studio cancelled the actor's film deal after the allegations surfaced.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to consumer boycotts or calls to fire employees over controversial statements, impacting brand reputation.
Academic
Analyzed in media studies, sociology, and political science as a modern form of social sanctioning and discourse policing.
Everyday
Used in discussions about celebrities, politicians, or acquaintances facing online criticism for past or present actions.
Technical
Not typically a technical term; used descriptively in discourse analysis and social psychology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cancel culture”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cancel culture”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cancel culture”
- Using 'cancel culture' as a verb (e.g., 'They cancel cultured him'). Correct: 'They tried to cancel him' or 'He faced cancel culture'.
- Confusing it with simple criticism; it implies a concerted, public effort to damage status or career.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The term gained widespread prominence in the late 2010s, particularly around 2017-2018, though its roots are in earlier Black American vernacular use of 'cancel'.
No, it implies a specific, sustained, and public campaign aimed at damaging someone's reputation or career, often involving calls for boycotts or firing, rather than isolated criticism.
Yes, the term applies to both individuals and organizations (e.g., brands, universities) that face public backlash and calls for boycotts due to perceived transgressions.
No, it is highly value-laden. Its use often signals the speaker's critical stance on the phenomenon. More neutral academic alternatives include 'online public shaming' or 'call-out culture'.
A contemporary social phenomenon where individuals or groups face public backlash, boycott, or ostracism (typically on social media) for behavior or opinions deemed unacceptable.
Cancel culture is usually informal, journalistic, academic (social sciences) in register.
Cancel culture: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkænsəl ˌkʌltʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkænsəl ˌkʌltʃər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get cancelled”
- “be in the cancellation crosshairs”
- “a cancellation campaign”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TV remote's CANCEL button deleting a show. Cancel culture 'deletes' a person's social standing.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL STATUS IS A PRODUCT / SOCIAL EXCLUSION IS DELETION (e.g., 'They tried to cancel him.').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'cancel culture'?