How to speak about homelessness: useful vocabulary

Language has been flexible and continually evolving throughout history—vocabulary changes with political, social, and cultural upheaval. A word changes over time as it ages by gaining levels of meaning, both explicit and implied. Dictionary.com lexicographer Heather Bonikowski defines the "euphemism treadmill" as the phenomenon where a term initially meant to be less offensive gains negative connotations that damage its reputation.

As such, language is frequently changed by society to eliminate insulting expressions, strongly symbolic terms, and exclusive terminology that minimizes the experiences of marginalized or impoverished groups. This development has been demonstrated by language about race, gender, sexual identity, handicap, religion, addiction, mental health, and other topics that may marginalise and exclude specific groups of people.

Researchers and campaigners have lately started to doubt the use of the word "homeless," mainly when it refers to a group of people ("the homeless"). Even while community members and the media still use the phrase often, and in some circumstances, even prefer it, some contend that it dehumanises those who are homeless and reduces their identity to a single, denigrated trait.

Given this conversation, Dictionary.com just included "unhoused" as a distinct phrase that can replace "homeless." Kelly says that rather than characterising a significant portion of the population by a single transient characteristic, using more inclusive words like "unhoused" and "unsheltered" "can attend to an increasingly diverse set of experiences" and elevate the humanity of those suffering homelessness. As suitable alternatives, some supporters also favour "houseless" and "people without homes."

Knowing the correct expressions and their meanings is important to avoid uncomfortable situations. Language tutoring can help, as the lessons are conducted by a native speaker who knows all the pitfalls and will correct if the student uses impolite expressions.

Moreover, some unsheltered individuals find it offensive that they are implied to have no "home." Sometimes, a city or town is considered home, regardless of whether or not they own property, rent, or have a roof over their heads. While "homeless" can also refer to the absence of permanent housing experienced by those living in automobiles, temporary shelters, or with friends, "unsheltered" refers to the lack of physical shelter.