What is the origin of the idiom "politically correct" and when to use it?

The idiom "politically correct" emerged in the mid-20th century and gained popularity in the 1980s. It originally referred to language or actions that were perceived as sensitive to various social, cultural, and political concerns. Politically correct language and behavior aimed to avoid marginalizing or offending certain groups or individuals, particularly those who had historically been disadvantaged or discriminated against. Over time, the phrase "politically correct" has been both positively embraced for promoting diversity and criticized for being overly cautious or restrictive in speech and behavior.