It is interesting how language evolves. Being "politically correct" is looked down upon by some now, and I agree that sometimes we can go too far. So, as John McWhorter writes, the new term seems to come from Black English, meaning to grasp the truth. McWhorter says it is the past tense for of to "wake up" about something.

Do you think "political correctness" will eventually evolve to being "woke?" Somehow, I think this is just a phase, brought on by our political campaign and that "political correctness" is here to stay. But heaven knows, I've been wrong before. What do you think?

I've never heard it. It can't be used here in the UK.

What he said.

That's interesting because it was one of the words on the Oxford dictionary's short list for 2016 words of the year.