TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains a bigoted word that may cause you to have an involuntary sensory overload. Please ensure you have your emergency asthma inhalers or safe space kittens by your side.

We’ve been very lucky in that decent, hardworking journalists like ourselves here at NPC Daily have been very thorough when it comes to silencing hateful words, phrases and opinions. Aggressive language like the ageist B word, the sickening ‘learn to code‘ hate phrase and even weaponized assault smirks have been rightfully disavowed by our reputable and esteemed journalists.

Unfortunately, a new hate word is increasingly being used by the alt-right. The word ‘y’all’ is the most recent addition to their ammunition of hate and has already sent many unsuspecting persyns of unidentified gender identities into horrific seizures and panic attacks. “Why is that, Neville?” You may ask. The answer is simple. ‘Y’all’ is a southern hate word that evokes all sorts of gruelling, racist connotations. Just thinking about it makes me feel nauseous.

This omnigender journalist was ferried away by ambulance after being verbally assaulted by the Y word. Ze is still in therapy to this day.

Journalists in particular have faced an onslaught of harassment by bigots using this word. I’ve spoken to several journalists and a JIT (Journalist In Training) from the magnificent Journalist Excellence Worldwide discord server to hear their thoughts on the matter.

“It reminded me of the South’s slavery loving ways and gave me a severe panic attack over the suffering of black persyns.” Anonymous Journalist (Bab/Ble)

“It reminded of the time a bigoted male tried to rape me by saying ‘do y’all want some sex?’ I never recovered.” Anonymous Journalist In Training (She/Her)

“I hear it almost everyday and everytime I hear it, I start to involuntarily convulse and need to spend at least 20 minutes in a safe space.” Anonymous Journalist (Sme/Smir)

“I was in a voice chat with some friends and a newcomer joined and greeted us with ‘hey y’ll’. I was so disgusted and tried to teach them about the dangers of that word and its hidden meaning but they refused to learn. They actually referred to me as a ‘womxn’ when I clearly identify as a mxle.” Associate of Journalism (Potential bad actor)

“Hello, my worst experience of the last year has been brought back to me again and again by the lack of understanding around the word “y’all”. Last June, I had just got out of the office for lunch, everything was going as usual, until me and my PoC colleagues were leaving the building. A wh*te mxle came up to us, and said “y’all know where I can get some curry”. I froze. Mouth wide open and heart in my throat. I could see the affect it had on the people around me, I felt awful and still do. Please do not use this hateful word.” Anonymous Journalist (Ze/Hir)

Thankfully my poll was saved thanks to the award-winning Poll Integrity Saving System. Another win for journalism.

It’s clear that this word is far too hateful to be used in everyday life. The sheer number of traumatized persyns from a variety of marginalized groups is staggering. It’s 2019, and this hatred is unacceptable. The only way forward now is to ban this despicable word and simply brand it the Y-word. Anyone caught uttering this monstrosity should be locked up, heavily fined, or re-educated.