Doubling Down On Language And Style

"Undocumented." "Obamacare." "Pro-life."

According to NPR's style guide, these words are to be avoided — or used sparingly — by NPR reporters and hosts when discussing the issues in which they are likely to come up (immigration, health care, abortion rights). But sharp listeners and readers note that all have been used in recent weeks, either on-air or online (by staff, not just by people being interviewed).

Like all trustworthy major newsrooms, NPR has an editor who oversees standards and practices, Mark Memmott. But in NPR's case, following his guidance on language in particular (he also helps the staff work through other ethical issues) is largely on the honor system;