Political correctness seemed funny at first, too. These budding fascists will be in office some day. It won’t end well. This needs to be nipped in the bud. (Can I say nipped?)
“This needs to be nipped in the bud. (Can I say nipped?)”
Probably. You could also have said “excised”.
"Nipped" is still OK, but we don't know for how long. However, don't say "chink in the armor."