Groomers.

So it seems that five minutes ago the term groomer has become popular among the right. Those on the left have complained that those on the right are simply using it to stigmatize people who disagree with them. They argue that this is a distortion of the real meaning of groomer, and it is dishonest to use it in this way. Grooming children is not an area of my expertise and I only have a layman’s understanding of the term. But I think the critique from those on the left seems correct.

On the other hand, I am now hearing from some on the right arguing that what they are doing to groomer is what the left has done to terms such as racism and white supremacy. I cannot say that this assertion is inaccurate unless someone can point out a distinction between how the groomer and racism are being used. And I have not seen a good distinction yet.

The phrase I’ve heard used is “linguistic theft” and it applies (or should apply) equally to the left and the right. Folks on the right may be calling out inappropriate words and conduct that the far left wants to protect, but it’s not grooming in any sense in which the word is commonly used and understood. But it’s the current buzz word so people will use it thoughtlessly, without considering the ramifications.