Political correctness refers to a set of guidelines or standards that dictate how people should speak and behave in order not to offend others, particularly those who belong to minority groups. It is an attempt to create a more inclusive and tolerant society by avoiding language and behavior that may be seen as demeaning or discriminatory towards certain groups of people. The phrase "political correctness" has become something of a catch-all term for any effort to make language, actions, or policies more sensitive to the needs and concerns of others, regardless of whether those efforts are coming from the left or right side of the political spectrum.