Oxford University has advised its staff to avoid common English idioms such as “learn the ropes” and “find your feet,” on the grounds that they may confuse international students or that they perpetuate negative stereotypes.
The guidance appears in the university’s official style guide, which also recommends replacing gendered terms and softer language around socioeconomic status, prompting criticism from free speech groups that Oxford is prioritising sensitivity over cultural immersion.
The style guide tells writers to favour “plain English” and cautions: “Be mindful of idioms that may not be familiar to international readers or that may use stereotypes. Use common words, short sentences and familiar constructions.”
Staff are also advised to use “they/them” rather than alternating “he” and “she,” to describe “deprived” students as “lower income” or as having experienced “socioeconomic disadvantage,” and to prefer “gay” over “homosexual” (except in legal or medical contexts) and “older people” over “the elderly.”
Using ‘they/them’ in reference to one person suggests that the person has multiple personality disorder — what used to be called schizophrenia. We use ‘he/she/it’ if someone claims to be ‘non-gender specific’. —Eds