What Does ‘Woke’ Mean?

In recent years, there has been an emergence of the term ‘woke’ being used as a description to describe being socially and politically aware and active. The term ‘woke’ has become widespread and used to describe those aligned with progressive political issues, or those who have an actively active social conscience. But what exactly does ‘woke’ mean and how has its use grown so much?

Origin of the Word ‘Woke’

The term ‘woke’ is thought to have origins within African-American culture, with its popularity increasing in the late 2000s. The term itself is an adaptation of an African American Vernacular English phrase “stay woke”, which itself has been in use since at least the late 19th century; this phrase is still used within the African American community.

Meaning of ‘Woke’

So what does ‘woke’ mean, exactly? The term ‘woke’ is used to describe a person who is socially, politically and racially aware and active; this is usually in relation to matters of social justice, civil rights and similar causes. It has become an increasingly popular term, with its usage beginning to enter mainstream media, particularly within the realm of social media.

When ‘woke’ is used, it refers to someone who is conscious of social, political and societal issues as well as the action needed to be taken to challenge them. Generally, those who are described as ‘woke’ are likely to be actively involved in some form of activism to challenge prevailing issues such as racism, sexism, LGBTQ+ rights and more.

Implications of ‘Woke’

The term ‘woke’ has been used to considerable success to describe a particular form of political engagement that takes on pressing social issues, as well as a single concept to describe a wide range of issues that are of highly varying degrees. For example, some people may identify as ‘woke’ for issues such as gender equality, whilst for others it may mean something as complex as fighting for black freedom or challenging the historical injustice done to Native Americans.

Understanding what ‘woke’ means is essential to being able to engage in the discourse around social progress but, more importantly, understanding how to take action and make a difference. Whilst it is important to be aware and socially conscious of the issues facing society, it is equally important to act on this awareness to help promote and facilitate positive change that can benefit society as a whole.