provocative phrases

Politically correct has always annoyed me, what would you prefer me to be? Politically incorrect?

Similar to 'do-gooder'. Thankfully you don't hear that much nowadays.
Usually used by someone who has never done a thing to improve the life of another. Makes them feel inferior I think, so they think that 'do-gooder'' is an acceptable insult (clue - it isn't).

However, I don't really have a problem with 'virtue signalling' if it is used correctly.
I do think that there is a lot of VS about, especially on social media; celebs etc.
That said - it annoys me when it's used incorrectly (in relation to Rashford for example).

They all seem to be terms that a certain type of right wing person uses against a certain type of left wing person.

More than 800 retired judges, barristers and senior legal figures have accused Boris Johnson and Priti Patel of endangering the personal safety of lawyers.

The group have signed an online letter calling on the prime minister and home secretary to apologise for their "display of hostility" towards those working in the justice system.

It follows Ms Patel's repeated criticism of lawyers who defend migrants and asylum seekers as "lefties" and "do-gooders".

Mr Johnson also claimed during the Tory conference that the criminal justice system was being "hamstrung by what the home secretary would doubtless – and rightly – call the lefty human rights lawyers, and other do-gooders”.

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-priti-patel-lawyers-judges-barristers-apology-b1322494.html

FannyCornforth I had forgotten 'do-gooder'! But yes I agree it is a similar phrase!

I suppose if celebrities are profiting from promoting a charitable cause then it might be considered bad form
but often charities approach celebs to promote /sponsor their cause.

Good grief Varian.
The calibre of this lot.
Our Home Secretary using childish, ill-educated sounding phrases.

I think of 'virtue signalling' as relating to empty words and no real action.
Similar to people latching onto other's grief (I can't remember the phrase for this).
Sort of 'look at what a lovely, empathetic person I am, unlike you'.

I’ve always thought that calling someone a fascist/commie when they don’t agree with your politics quite telling, in that you’re blinkered to another view on something.

These phrases are worse than just provocative. They are dangerous. They can incite violence.

Remember the notorious Daily Mail headline "enemies of the people" accompanied by photos of the Judges whose judgement they didn't like?

I hate the phrase 'right thinking' which actually only means people who agree with the person saying that.

varian yes that is a dreadful scenario with lawyers offices being targeted by right wing extremists.

British law must be protected from political interference ..that is a downward spiral to dictatorship!

When Patel criticised those who want to support refugees as “do gooders” I wondered whether she counts herself as a “do badder”?

I just look at the people who employ the phrases do-gooders, politically correct, virtue signalling and it tells me all I need to know about them and their views on well, just about anything really. It also tells me about their lack of capacity for any critical thought.

vegansrock I expect she may not mind that accolade!

The law applies equally to all citizens and each citizen has a right to use the law to protect themselves or to get redress. There is no 'do-gooding' about it..it is part of our Great British institution ... but this government appears to want to demolish things we need to be proud of and continue to behave in dishonourable ways!

FannyCornforth

I think of 'virtue signalling' as relating to empty words and no real action.
Similar to people latching onto other's grief (I can't remember the phrase for this).
Sort of 'look at what a lovely, empathetic person I am, unlike you'.

Yes, I agree, so sometimes the phrase is quite apt ....it’s natural home seems to be social media.

Jane10

I hate the phrase 'right thinking' which actually only means people who agree with the person saying that.

Absolutely!
As in ‘all right thinking people will blah blah’ .....it’s meaningless.

Virtue signalling is exactly what it says: someone signalling their virtue to others.
Not simply doing a good act, but making sure everyone is aware of what is being done,' to emphasise the moral correctness of one's position'.

There’s plenty of vs on Gan - lovely example this morning - the amusing thing is that it’s often carried out by those who jump to criticise it in others.

eazybee I can see that there may be some people who do that ..boasting that they have done something good.

However I have seen the phrase, used in a derogatory manner, to undermine people who are genuinely doing good things. A bit like Priti Patel calling lawyers 'do-gooders' for doing their job!

suziewoozie do you mean GN? It would be more helpful to the debate if we knew what you actually meant?

"That's a good question-" It's used during interviews- I find myself wanting to turn off the radio, podcast, streaming video when I hear it because the question being asked is usually rooted in bias- It supports the views of both the individual being interviewed as well as the individual carrying out the interview, leaving no room difference of opinion or perception- It's a provocative format-

Sorry PECS autocorrect. Yes of course GN - I find the offenders do it without a blush ( or probably a thought)

I drove past a pub today it had a massive sign up saying children eat free during half term. I suppose I would consider that virtue signalling. Cashing in on an excellent campaign without doing anything to support it.

Meant to say imo those 3 phrases are always used in a derogatory manner - absolutely value loaded phrases.

Too little, too late as a put down for a newly introduced government measure of any sort. Why not just say that it’s a start?

I think that depends on the context Parsley sometimes it really is too little too late and people have been making the case for it to start for ages.

Thanks suziewoozie sorry but I often miss out on 'jargon' and am easily confused!

Galaxy why would that sign be VS? If they are offering free meals for kids over half term they are doing something!
When shops have '50%' reductions on children's clothes' posters up are they VS?