Supervisor, Not Overseer: The Language We Use With AI
Simon Willison made an important correction that we should all remember.
The Core Insight
In a post about his Showboat project, Simon Willison initially used “overseer” to describe the human managing an AI coding agent. A reader pointed out the term’s connection to slavery and plantation management. Willison corrected it to “supervisor”—and we should all do the same.
Why This Matters
Language shapes thought. When we use terms tied to historical oppression, we carry that weight forward unconsciously. The tech industry already has enough problems with exploitative language and practices.
Key Takeaways
- Term to avoid: “Oversee/overseer” – has roots in plantation management
- Better term: “Supervisor” – neutral, clear, professional
- Context: Related to AI coding agents and human-AI collaboration
- Why it matters: Small language choices reflect and reinforce cultural values
Looking Ahead
This is a reminder that we have agency over the language we use—and that being thoughtful about terminology matters. The AI industry is building new paradigms; we get to choose whether those paradigms carry forward old baggage.
Based on analysis of Simon Willison’s post on terminology