The Word “Trauma” is Traumatic for Some Folks: So Shall We Replace It?

So, I have a new book with the word “trauma” in the title (released June 2020 from Teachers College Press).

Yes, the word “trauma.” In the book, I note the word “trauma” is troubling to many readers and for different reasons. Some view the word as creating victimization; others feel the word is “overdramatic” for incidents that are oft-described as traumatic but are not traumatic for all people. Others find the word confusing as there is no definition for it across all disciplines.

I admit the word is problematic. I have trouble admitting to myself that I have been traumatized (on more than one occasion).

Thus, it was with both surprise and relief that I read a post by Sarah E. Wright. She suggests the term “cortisoaked” to replace the word “trauma.” Not bad at all. And I like invented words (indeed, my book Breakaway Learners (also TC Press, 2017) is replete with a new invented term “lastic” that I still hope will enter the lexicon.

That started me thinking: cortisaturated is another option. What about “cortiflooded?” That one has immense appeal as the word “flooded” is so rich in meaning. What about “cortiloaded?” Nope: sounds too much like a weapon cocked to fire. What about “cortifilled?” Doesn’t sound serious enough — and we are all filled with cortisol on a regular day. What about “cortioverloaded?” Too long winded. Too many syllables.

Share your preferences. Share other terms. It is time to make the word “trauma” more appealing and perhaps that needs to occur by shifting terminology, at least when the term is used in conversations that aren’t intended to be academic seminars. Vote for your favorite (part of a larger request to vote).

P.S. My favorite, as of now, “cortiflooded.”