What Exactly Is A Nazi?

[Last edited: February 24, 2025.]

Apparently, people in 2025 still don’t know the actual meaning of "Nazi." It’s become a buzzword that people throw around whenever they disagree with someone, which completely disrespects the historical weight of the term. Misusing it doesn’t just devalue its meaning, it makes it harder to identify and fight actual Nazis who still exist today.

When people look at my blog, they immediately assume I'm a Nazi, but I'm not. I'm just an autistic girl with a special interest in WWII, specifically Nazi Germany. Having a special interest in WWII, doesn’t make me, or anyone else, a Nazi.

I made this post explaining what a Nazi is and isn't, so people can get actually educated on this topic. You can't just throw around words like that. That's not how it works.

Before I talk about this topic, I want to say that my heart goes out to everyone who suffered during the Holocaust and the horrors of the third Reich. The pain, loss, and injustice inflicted upon millions of innocent people such as Jews, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ people, Romani people, political dissidents, and many others must never be forgotten. These were real people with hopes, dreams, and lives that were stolen from them because of hatred and extremism.

As an autistic person with a deep special interest in WWII, specifically Nazi Germany, I take this history very seriously. Learning about these events has shaped my understanding of human cruelty, resilience, and the importance of remembering the truth. This isn’t just history, it’s an actual warning. The Holocaust and the crimes of the Nazi regime didn’t happen in a vacuum.. they were the result of years of dehumanization, conspiracy theories, and people looking the other way. Even today, there are still those who try to downplay, deny, or distort the truth, and that is why education and remembrance are so important.

I believe we, as people, have a responsibility to educate ourselves and others so that these atrocities are never forgotten or repeated.

What exactly is a Nazi?

A Nazi is a follower of Adolf Hitler’s ideology, also known as National Socialism. The Nazi Party (NSDAP) was responsible for mass genocide, war crimes, and extreme authoritarianism during WWII. Their beliefs revolved around racial superiority, Aryan supremacy, antisemitism, totalitarianism, Lebensraum (expansionism), extreme nationalism, and militaristic expansion. The original Nazi Party no longer exists, however neo-Nazis promote the same hateful ideology today. "Neo" means "new," so "neo-Nazi" literally means "new Nazi." A neo-Nazi is someone who still follows the Nazi ideology, even after the fall of the Third Reich but in a modern context.

Things that DO make you a Nazi:

- Supporting Hitler’s actions

- Spreading antisemitism, anti-Roma hate, and other forms of racism

- Believing in or promoting fascist ideology

- Denying or downplaying the Holocaust

- Advocating for white supremacy or racial purity

- Using Nazi symbolism in support of their ideology

Things that do NOT make you a Nazi:

- Having a special interest in WWII or Nazi Germany (studying history ≠ supporting it)

- Making fun of Hitler or the Nazis. I can't believe I even have to say this, but some people genuinely think making fun of Hitler makes you a nazi... (they deserve to be ridiculed btw)

- Being interested in fictional depictions of WWII, even those involving Nazi characters (it can be books, movies, games, OCs, fictional characters, any form of fictional depiction)

- Being critical of modern political extremism without glorifying historical Nazis

- Existing in a fandom like Reichblr, where actual fascists and Nazis are not welcome

Why Misusing the Term is Dangerous:

When you call someone a "Nazi" just because you disagree with them, you’re not only spreading misinformation, you’re making it easier for real neo-Nazis to blend in and avoid scrutiny. Actual fascists use this to their advantage, hiding behind false accusations and dismissing all criticism as "hysteria." Meanwhile, people who study history, make jokes at Hitler’s expense, or engage with WWII-related media get unfairly labeled as extremists.. smh

Misusing the word also disrespects the memory of Holocaust victims and survivors! Nazi crimes were real. The Holocaust happened. Using "Nazi" as a casual insult diminishes the suffering of those who were tortured and murdered under their regime. If you want to fight Nazism and fascism, start by using words correctly.

Nazis Still Exist Today

Neo-Nazis, fascists, and white supremacists have not disappeared, they’ve just adapted. They may not wear swastikas openly, but they spread the same hateful ideology through online spaces, dog whistles, and political movements. If you want to stop them, educate yourself on what fascism actually looks like instead of throwing the word around carelessly.

Use Words Correctly - Because It Matters.

Being historically accurate isn’t just about semantics, it’s about responsibility. If you truly care about fighting fascism, learn history, call out real extremists, and stop diluting the meaning of "Nazi" to the point where it loses its impact.

Stop misusing the word. Start fighting real Nazis and fascists.

How to Protect Yourself and Others:

Extremism rarely starts extreme: Many Nazis and fascists don’t start with full-blown hate; they ease into it through less obvious content.

Fact-check everything: Many extremists manipulate history or statistics to push their ideology. Always verify sources, especially if something seems exaggerated or too convenient. One time I saw a neo-nazi claiming Hitler loved Islam so they could turn a Muslim into a neo-nazi, lmao.

Conspiracy theories: Beliefs like "the Jews control everything" or "white genocide" are used to push people deeper into extremism.

Be cautious of biased sources: Just because something aligns with your views doesn’t mean it’s true. Extremists often use misleading documentaries, articles, and YouTube videos to spread propaganda.

Educate, don’t just argue: Some people are misinformed rather than fully radicalized. If they’re open to discussion, share historical facts and reliable sources, please.

Encourage critical thinking: Extremists rely on emotional manipulation and black-and-white thinking. Teaching people to question things helps them resist propaganda.

Report dangerous activity: If you see extremist recruitment happening online or in real life, report it to the proper authorities or platforms.