What Does Woke Mean? (Ultimate Word Guide + 100 Examples)

Few words spark as much debate and memes as woke.

Originally tied to social justice, it now means different things to different people. So, what does woke mean? Let’s dive into its origins, meanings, and examples to find out.

The Modern Meaning of Woke

At its core, being woke means being aware of and attentive to social injustices, particularly around issues like racism, sexism, and inequality.

In today’s context, it often extends to:

• Supporting marginalized communities.
• Advocating for systemic change.
• Calling out discriminatory practices or language.

In short, being woke is about heightened social awareness. But depending on who’s using the term, it can mean anything from being an activist to simply paying attention to societal issues.

Alternate Meanings

The meaning of “woke” has splintered over time, thanks to cultural wars, political ideologies, and good old-fashioned internet trolling.

Here are a few alternate interpretations:

1. Political Weaponry: For some, “woke” is a derogatory term used to mock progressivism, often conflating it with extreme political correctness.
2. Trendy Activism: Others see woke as performative—people pretending to care for clout.
3. Catch-All Insult: On certain corners of the internet, woke is shorthand for anything remotely progressive, even if it has no real connection to activism.
4. Corporate Woke-Washing: Companies slap on a rainbow or Black Lives Matter hashtag and call themselves woke without making substantial changes.

Check out this video about what woke means:

The Origin of Woke

The term “woke” didn’t emerge from a think piece or social media argument.

It has roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and dates back to the early 20th century.

• 1938: In a song called Scottsboro Boys by Lead Belly, the phrase “stay woke” was used as a warning to Black Americans to stay alert to racial injustices.
• 1960s: The term was popularized during the civil rights movement, symbolizing awareness and vigilance.
• 2010s: Woke saw a resurgence through movements like Black Lives Matter, becoming synonymous with fighting systemic oppression.

Woke Goes Mainstream

By the late 2010s, “woke” crossed into mainstream culture, and things got…complicated. Social media amplified its use, and soon it became a meme, a rallying cry, and a punchline, all at once.

Is Being Woke Positive or Negative?

It depends on who you ask. For many, woke is positive, signaling empathy and a commitment to justice.

For others, it’s a pejorative, associated with virtue signaling or overreach.

Positive Associations

• Empathy: Caring about marginalized groups.
• Action: Advocating for necessary change.
• Awareness: Understanding systemic issues.

Negative Associations

• Virtue Signaling: Talking the talk but not walking the walk.
• Cancel Culture: Criticized for punishing people instead of encouraging growth.
• Over-correction: Seen as being “too politically correct.”

100 Examples of “Woke” in Action

Browse through these examples of using woke in everyday situations.

Cultural Examples

1. Protesting police brutality during Black Lives Matter marches.
2. Campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights.
3. Advocating for equal pay in the workplace.
4. Supporting Indigenous land reclamation efforts.
5. Organizing food drives for underserved communities.
6. “Staying woke to injustice” and attending rallies for change.

Social Media Usage

7. Sharing educational posts about systemic racism.
8. Using hashtags like #MeToo or #StopAsianHate.
9. Correcting someone’s outdated or offensive terminology.
10. Calling out brands for exploitative practices.
11. Posting infographics about climate change.
12. “Posting about staying woke” to bring attention to local issues.

Corporate “Wokeness”

13. Starbucks creating diversity training after PR disasters.
14. Nike endorsing Colin Kaepernick.
15. Companies adding pronouns to email signatures.
16. Pride-themed merchandise in June.
17. Diversity and inclusion initiatives in hiring.
18. “Woke branding” campaigns, like inclusive commercials.

In Entertainment

19. Movies with diverse casts, like Black Panther.
20. TV shows tackling social issues, like Pose.
21. Award speeches calling out inequality in Hollywood.
22. Musicians creating protest songs.
23. Representation in children’s media, like gender-neutral characters.
24. “Woke scripts” that address social issues directly.

Everyday Woke Behavior

25. Supporting local Black-owned businesses.
26. Voting for progressive policies.
27. Donating to mutual aid funds.
28. “Being woke” by attending a climate rally.
29. Using inclusive language.
30. “Waking up to systemic issues” and volunteering for local nonprofits.
31. Teachers revising curriculums to include diverse perspectives.
32. Local governments banning discriminatory housing practices.
33. Advocating for renewable energy policies.
34. Marching for reproductive rights.
35. “Getting woke” to gender equality and creating scholarships for underrepresented students.
36. Supporting Asian-owned businesses during #StopAsianHate campaigns.
37. Including subtitles for accessibility in online content.
38. Developing apps that aid individuals with disabilities.
39. Recognizing and celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day.
40. “Woke initiatives” to end gender-specific dress codes in schools.
41. Encouraging diverse authorship in publishing.
42. Hosting community forums to address systemic inequality.
43. Offering mental health resources to underserved populations.
44. Raising awareness about food deserts in urban areas.
45. Lobbying for universal healthcare policies.
46. “Staying woke” about environmental justice and reducing waste.
47. Companies setting diversity goals for executive positions.
48. Including non-binary options on official forms.
49. Advocating for fair trade practices.
50. Highlighting the history of Juneteenth in schools.
51. “Woke celebrations” that honor marginalized communities.
52. Amplifying Indigenous voices in mainstream media.
53. Creating apps to address harassment and safety.
54. Supporting reproductive healthcare for all genders.
55. Advocating for restorative justice over punitive measures.
56. Protesting against voter suppression laws.
57. Offering free community workshops on racial equity.
58. Donating to climate change mitigation programs.
59. Partnering with local activists to create change.
60. “Getting woke” to corporate responsibility and ethical practices.
61. Supporting humane treatment of immigrants.
62. Encouraging local agriculture through urban farming projects.
63. Highlighting the history of redlining and systemic inequality.
64. “Woke initiatives” for pay equity.
65. Calling out stereotypes in mainstream media portrayals.
66. Supporting underrepresented voices in the arts.
67. Raising awareness about intersectionality.
68. Advocating for safe spaces in public schools.
69. Hosting inclusive book clubs.
70. Promoting cultural competency in healthcare.
71. Partnering with nonprofits to address homelessness.
72. Encouraging legislation for renewable energy incentives.
73. Advocating for universal pre-K programs.
74. Creating inclusive STEM programs for girls.
75. “Staying woke” about anti-bullying campaigns.
76. Supporting racial equity in hiring practices.
77. Promoting fair housing legislation.
78. Supporting survivors of domestic violence.
79. Offering mentorship programs for minority youth.
80. Partnering with cultural organizations to celebrate diversity.
81. Raising awareness about ethical supply chains.
82. Supporting initiatives to close the digital divide.
83. Encouraging climate-conscious building practices.
84. Partnering with local farmers to address food insecurity.
85. Highlighting the importance of mental health resources.
86. Supporting advocacy for disability rights.
87. Raising awareness about climate migration.
88. Partnering with artists to create socially aware public art.
89. Calling for accountability in police reforms.
90. Advocating for representation on corporate boards.
91. Supporting inclusive language in workplace policies.
92. Promoting gender parity in STEM fields.
93. Partnering with educators to decolonize curriculums.
94. Highlighting the gender pay gap in corporate settings.
95. Advocating for equal healthcare access.
96. Partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations for youth safety.
97. Raising awareness about environmental racism.
98. Supporting programs that offer free legal aid.
99. Advocating for comprehensive immigration reform.
100. Hosting dialogues to address generational racial trauma.

What Does Go Woke or Go Broke Mean?

“Go woke or go broke” is a phrase often used to criticize businesses, brands, or individuals that adopt progressive or socially conscious stances.

The idea is that by aligning with woke principles—such as promoting diversity, social justice, or LGBTQ+ rights—they risk alienating their traditional customer base, leading to financial failure.

Key Points About the Phrase

1. Origins: The phrase emerged in response to high-profile cases where companies faced backlash for their woke initiatives, such as marketing campaigns or public statements supporting progressive causes.
2. Criticism: Opponents claim these actions are performative and driven by trends rather than genuine belief.
3. Supporters’ View: Advocates argue that embracing woke values reflects ethical leadership and aligns with modern consumer expectations.

Examples of Go Woke or Go Broke

• Successful Woke Moves: Nike’s endorsement of Colin Kaepernick sparked controversy but ultimately boosted sales and brand loyalty among younger demographics.
• Perceived Failures: Brands like Gillette faced backlash after releasing ads addressing toxic masculinity, with some claiming it alienated their core audience.
• Debates: Companies participating in Pride campaigns often face accusations of “rainbow capitalism,” where critics argue they profit off LGBTQ+ support without making substantive changes.

Is the Phrase Accurate?

While “go woke or go broke” makes for a catchy slogan, its accuracy depends on the context.

Many businesses thrive after adopting woke stances, while others misstep due to poor execution or insincerity. Ultimately, consumer reactions vary widely based on the perceived authenticity of a company’s actions.

What Does Anti-Woke Mean?

“Anti-woke” refers to a reactionary stance against the principles and practices associated with being woke.

While woke often emphasizes social awareness and progressivism, anti-woke positions generally criticize these movements, sometimes viewing them as overreaches, overly politically correct, or detrimental to traditional values.

Key Aspects of Anti-Woke

1. Opposition to Cancel Culture: Anti-woke individuals often criticize the practice of “canceling” public figures or brands for past mistakes or controversial opinions.
2. Pushback Against Political Correctness: Many anti-woke proponents argue that societal rules on language and behavior have become overly restrictive.
3. Defense of Free Speech: Anti-woke advocates frequently position themselves as defenders of free speech, even when it includes controversial or offensive opinions.
4. Skepticism of Institutional Change: They may argue that woke initiatives—such as diversity quotas or corporate activism—are performative or unnecessary.

Examples of Anti-Woke Sentiments

• Criticizing companies for engaging in “woke-washing.”
• Supporting comedians who push boundaries of “offensive” humor.
• Advocating for traditional curriculums over changes inspired by social justice movements.
• Dismissing social media campaigns as virtue signaling rather than meaningful activism.

Is Being Anti-Woke Justified?

The legitimacy of anti-woke arguments often depends on context and perspective.

Critics of wokeness raise concerns about overreach, while supporters argue that these critiques often downplay real systemic issues. Like “woke,” “anti-woke” is a highly polarized term shaped by cultural and political battles.

Other Words for Woke

Not everyone wants to use the word “woke,” either due to its polarizing nature or because they prefer more specific terms.

Here are some alternative words and phrases that convey similar ideas:

• Socially Conscious
• Progressive
• Empathetic
• Aware
• Enlightened
• Inclusive
• Justice-Oriented
• Mindful
• Advocacy-Focused
• Informed

These alternatives allow for a broader or more neutral way to discuss awareness of social issues without the baggage the term “woke” might carry.

Final Thoughts: What Does Woke Mean?

Whether you embrace it, roll your eyes, or fall somewhere in between, “woke” is a word that defines this era of cultural awareness.

It’s a lens through which we view justice, activism, and the evolution of language.

To stay informed and empathetic—to stay woke—is to engage in meaningful change. The choice, as always, is yours.

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Sources

Inverted Totems: On the Significance of “Woke” in the Culture Wars (Published Journal Article)
A Scholarly Definition of Wokeism