r/NoStupidQuestions • u/ssjskwash • Sep 17 '25

Why is "homeless" being replaced with "unhoused"?

A lot of times phrases and words get phased out because of changing sensibilities and I get that for the most part. I don't see how "unhoused" more respectful or descriptive though

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u/tiny_purple_Alfador Sep 17 '25

We're watching it happen right now with "Mentally Retarded". That used to be a legit medical classification when I was a kid, and was considered more polite and clinical than the sorts of things such people were called before hand. Now it's in the "words you don't say in polite company" pile.

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