International Women’s Day: Sexism in Language & What Needs To Change!

Bombshell. Frigid. Ditsy.

Would these words ever be used to describe a man?

It’s unlikely , and that why we need to start looking at the language we use to describe women.

Why do derogatory words, such as ‘spinster’, ‘mistress’, and ‘ditsy’, exist only for women and why do common phrases like ‘Debbie downer’ or ‘stroppy Susan’ always have feminine personas. In keeping with #BalanceforBetter, the supporting theme of International Women’s Day (8th March 2019), Belle About Town has teamed up with Babbel to suggest some more balanced alternatives to these sexist terms.

Words (just) for women, why? 

What happens when we translate derogatory words about women to their male equivalents? ‘Spinster’ (definition: an unmarried woman, typically an older woman beyond the usual age for marriage) becomes ‘bachelor’ (definition: a man who is not and has never been married, usually considered eligible), ‘mistress’ (definition: an unmarried woman having a relationship with a man) converts to ‘master’ (definition: a man who has people working for him, especially servants or slaves).

Revealing the sexist attitudes of past societies, these female words hold insulting and disrespectful connotations, while the male terms are associated with power, wealth, high status and sexual superiority.

While we recognise sexism in these historical words, but they’re hardly taboo: the fictional character Bridget Jones refers to herself as a spinster, for example. We also don’t question why condescending words, like ‘bubbly’ and ‘ditsy’, are nearly always used to describe women. Without questioning this, the sexism implicit in historical terminology has filtered down to our everyday language, from ‘witch’ to ‘cute’ to ‘stroppy Susan’.

From historical words to modern phrases, Babbel’s #BalanceforBetter terms include:

Instead of Hussy [15th century] : An impudent or immoral girl or woman.

Try using Daring: A person in control of their life, who is not afraid to take risks.

Instead of Feisty: [19th century]A determined, self-reliant, touchy and often quarrelsome person, generally attributed to women.

Try using A go getter: An ambitious person who is undeterred by others in pursuit of their life goals.

Instead of Sissy: Used to describe a person as effeminate or cowardly, meant as an insult.

Try using Coward: It more accurately describes the trait: a person who is contemptibly lacking in the courage to do or endure dangerous or unpleasant things.

Instead of Frigid: While also referring to cold temperature, it refers to a woman who is unable to be sexually aroused and responsive. Does that mean men are perfect in bed every time?

Try using Cold or Distant:  This is likely more accurate (Or maybe they’re just not that into you). Though if you’re talking about your partner’s sexual unresponsiveness – which could apply to anyone – perhaps it’s best to address the problem itself.

Instead of Ditsy: A person who is perceived as being ‘silly’, featherbrained, irresponsible or empty-headed, commonly attributed to females.
Try using Head in the clouds: Someone who may have the tendency to have unrealistic dreams and often lose focus, irrespective of their gender

Instead of Bombshell: Usually used in the phrase ‘blonde bombshell’, specifically attributed to a very good-looking blonde woman.

Try using Attractive: A person of any sex who is perceived to be beautiful by others. You can add on an adverb like ‘super’ or ‘extremely’ if you want to turn up the volume.

Instead of Bubbly: A personality trait used to describe a friendly, outgoing and perky person, usually always about a female. Urban Dictionary goes so far as to describe someone who is bubbly as being someone whose liveliness touches on annoying.

Try using Cheerful: A person who feels happy and optimistic about life.

Instead of Chatty Cathy: Urban Dictionary describes this as any woman (or man) who won’t shut up. Sometimes it’s interesting, sometimes it’s not. Mostly not.

Try using Chatterbox: There’s no need to make a sexist remark if you don’t have to.

Instead of Debbie downer: While downer on its own is used to refer to a depressing person or situation, the term Debbie Downer was popularized by a character from a Saturday Night Live sketch that debuted in 2004. It is often used to describe a woman with a negative attitude.  

Try using Fun-sponge: A more playful and non-gendered way to describe someone that soaks up all the fun, or takes the fun out of life.

Instead of Grow a pair: A phrase that implies someone needs to have male genitalia to be perceived as strong. But a person can be strong no matter what their sex.

Try using Grow a brain: Because in the end, smarts will get you further.