Using Gender Neutral English

Overview

Gender-neutral English is becoming the most acceptable language and this area is receiving support from most writers. The gendered language is slowly being replaced by gender-neutral language. There are many reasons for this transition.

English Gendered Words with ending Syllable ‘Man’

Most of the writers use English compound words that are framed with man as the second element. Consider occupations like barman, fisherman, fireman, lineman, policeman, postman and salesman. Consider words that focus one’s position in society: gentleman, statesman and spokesman. You may also notice words that act as a scale to measure one’s craftsmanship, salesmanship, and sportsmanship. The word ‘man’ is clearly indicates male. It is not a generic term. The feminists say that these words either misrepresent or exclude women.

Popularity of Gender-neutral English

Gender-neutral English takes care of the dignity of male or female. The gender-neutral words restore equality and fairness. There is a movement for gender-neutral English. You will be amazed to know the amount of support you get for your gender-neutral English. Major publishers, their style manuals and even most of the English usage guides are creating awareness for non-discriminatory words. Some of the frequently used gendered words (with preferable gender neutral words) are listed below, but this list is not exhaustive. With time, more new words will be included in the Gender-neutral English vocabulary.

List: Gendered Word : Gender Neutral Word

1) Actress : Actor or Actron

2) Aviatrix : Aviator

3) Barmaid : Bartender

4) Barman : Bartender

5) Best Man: Best Friend (Wedding)

6) Boatman : Boater

7) Businessman: Businessperson

Cameraman: Camera Operator, Cinematographer

9) Chairman: Chairperson

10) Clergyman: Member of Clergy

11) Comedienne: Comedian

12) Con-man: Cheater

13) Craftsmanship: Craftiness

14) Family Man: Family Person

15) Female Model: Model

16) Fireman : Firefighter

17) Fisherman: Fisher Person

18) Gentleman: Chap, Guy, Person

19) Gunman : Gunner

20) Landlady: House Owner

21) Landlord : House Owner

22) Layman : Layperson

23) Letter Carrier: Courier

24) Lineman : Line Officer, Line Tracker

25) Madman : Lunatic, Neurotic, psychopath

26) Mailman : Mail Carrier

27) Male Chauvinist:Chauvinist, Anti-Sexist

28) Male Nurse: Nurse

29) Man: Guy

30) Man Handle: Maltreat, maul, mishandle, rough (up)

31) Man Hole: Access port, Inspection port

32) Man Hour: Labor Hours

33) Man -Made: Synthetic

34) Manhunt : Target Hunt

35) Mankind : Humankind, Humanity

36) Manpower: Personnel, Staff

37) Man-sized: Sizable

38) Midwife : Midwife

39) Milkman : Milk Vendor

40) Newsman: Newspaper Vendor

41) Nobleman: Noble Person

42) Poetess : Poet

43) Policeman: Police Officer

44) Postman : Post worker

45) Salesman: Salesperson

46) Sculptress: Sculptre

47) Spokesman: Spokesperson

48) Sportsmanship: Sportive

49) Statesman: Senior Member

50) Steward: Flight Attendant

51) Stewardess: Flight Attendant

52) Superman: Super person

53) Talisman : Amulet, Trinket

54) Usherette: Usher

55) Waitress : Waiter or Waitron

56) Woman : Guy

57) Workman: Worker