Why Do People Say That Calling It Dreads Instead Of Locs Is Offensive?

The idea is that the term "dreadlocks" came from slave traders calling the hair dreadful. A "lock" is just a piece of hair so calling them locs instead of dreads or dreadlocks removes this negative connotation

I've never heard this either. But if I had to take a guess it's because the word "dread" has negative associations so calling the hairstyle "dreads" might make it seem like it's supposed to cause fear. And since dreadlocks are a black cultural thing, that could be associated with racism and fear of black people. That's my guess. I've never actually heard of anyone being offended by the term "dreads". The primary issue with dreadlocks is when white people or really anyone who doesn't have the right hair texture to do locs tries to mat their hair to imitate the style which can be considered cultural appropriation, but also isn't really dreadlocks, it's just destroying your hair. That said I'm not black and I live in a very white area so maybe I'm just out of touch and "dreads" really is a more offensive term.

It isn't offensive in the sense that it's a slur or anything, but some people don't like it because it reminds them of the word "dreadful." I'm not sure if they actually share an etymology but if the association exists today then that will be more relevant than the history anyway. From personal observation, it seems that white Americans are slightly more likely to call them dreads and black Americans slightly more likely to call them locs. Not sure about Americans who are neither white nor black or for English speakers outside of the U.S. Found a Reddit post about the subject in a relevant subreddit, there isn't much consensus there either but some of the comments are more detailed about their opinions: [https://www.reddit.com/r/locs/comments/13dwndo/locs\_vs\_dreadsdreadlocks/](https://www.reddit.com/r/locs/comments/13dwndo/locs_vs_dreadsdreadlocks/)

Who is telling you they shouldn't be called dreads?

I’m a white dude and live in a predominantly Black area in the south and there’s a concerted effort by some (but not all) of the Black folks in the area to shift the terminology. The way I see it, if I call them locs…nobody is upset. Whereas the alternative could upset someone. I forget sometimes but I’m making the effort.

I really don't think that's the case. The term dreads or dreadlocks, however, does seem to be fading in favor of locs, and a person who styles locs is a loctitian. But in the r/Dreadlocks sub and elsewhere online, you'll still see Dreads without any pushback that it's offensive.

I think it has to do with the African American or POC community and the hair style differences. Dreadlocks is a very specific hair style while twisted or braided locs while using the similar technique, look completely different. I'm not sure about dreads however

Dreads might be short for dreaded locks, short handed into dreadlocks or "the locks of hair everyone fears to have" and is associated with negativity due to the root word "dread". It's a hair style often associated with unkept sailors and pirates due to lack of hygiene

I kinda understand that some people say “dread” gives locks a negative connotation, but even Reggae bands like Black Uhuru refer to “natty dreadlocks”. In the past, no one really had an issue with the word “dreadlocks”.

Is this an American thing?

Never heard this but I wouldn’t be surprised. Everyone’s offended by everything these days.

you can call them dreads

Never once heard anyone say dreads was offensive. Even people I know that have them call them dreads.

Because they are scared of their shadow.

There is a theory that 19th century British colonialists called them “dreadful” therefore “dreads” have a negative connotation. But then again, this same colonialist theory is why black people get rejected from a job just for the hair that grows out of our heads. So make of that what you will.

Jesus wept, some people are trying to get offended.

48 yo USAmerican. Never heard 'Locs' used to describe dreads. Til just this minute.

Not all locs are dreadlocks. So you're probably safer saying locs.

Is it at all important that “locks or locs” describe all hair, not just a particular style?