"Taoism" means: A Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century that teaches conformity to the tao by wu wei, naturalness.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.
Taoism
A Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century that teaches conformity to the tao by wu wei, naturalness and simplicity, long closely intertwined with Chinese folk r
Definitions
A Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century that teaches conformity to the tao by wu wei, naturalness and simplicity, long closely intertwined with Chinese folk religion and influenced by Buddhism, with which it shares five precepts.
"Taoism" means: A Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century that teaches conformity to the tao by wu wei, naturalness.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.
"Taoism" means: A Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century that teaches conformity to the tao by wu wei, naturalness.... Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.
Comments
(Singapore) Traditional Chinese folk religion.
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— Bluesky· May 2026
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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(colloquial, derogatory, Hindu, India, religious slur) A Buddhist, Taoist, or other impersonal worshipper.