By Andrew Sparrow, Political Correspondent, Telegraph.uk 24/05/2005 Grandmas and youths are out but black coffee is fine, says a new guide to politically correct language. The Trades Union Congress has set out its concerns in a document called Diversity in Action that advises trade unionists on the "appropriate use of language" on race, sex and age. Words such as "lady", "granddad" and "youth" are best avoided because they can cause offence in some circumstances, it says. On age, it says: "Being old in British society carries connotations of being worn out and of little further use." The guide says "granddad" and "grandma" may offend some people, as well as "old fool" and "old codger". It goes on: "Equally, 'youth' has connotations of inexperience, impetuosity, and unreliability or even dishonesty." "Young people" is preferable. In the section on sex and language, the guide says: "The term 'lady' is not universally accepted and should not generally be used. The terms 'love', 'dear' and 'pet' may offend some people, especially women, and should not be used." It is acceptable to use "black" to describe colour, as in blackboard, black coffee and black bin bag. But the guide says terms such as black sheep, blacklist, black mark and black looks, although not linked to skin colour, reinforce a negative view of all things black. The TUC says that most people want to avoid causing offence and the guide will show when care is needed. "We do not seek to achieve political correctness; we do want to achieve professional appropriateness."