Sexist languageis language which excludes one sex or the other, or which suggests that one sex is superior to the other. For example, traditionally,he, himandhiswere used to refer to both sexes, maleand female, but nowadays many people feel that this makesshe, herandhersseem less important or inferior. It is best to avoid sexist language in order not to offend people.
He,she,him,her,his,hers
In writing, we can use(s)he,he/she, him/herorhis/herto refer to both sexes at the same time. When speaking formally, we sayhe or sheandhis or her:
The teacher is the person who organises the class.(S)heis the one who controls timekeeping and the sequence of events.
Not:She is the one… orHe is the one…
A police officer should remember thathe/sheis a public servant and should therefore always be polite. It ishis/herduty to assist the public.
University administrator: Could each candidate please leavehis or herexam registration form at the office before midday, please?(spoken)
We can usethey,them,theirandtheirsto refer to both sexes at the same time, even when a singular noun has been used, although some people consider this unacceptable. However, in present-day English, this usage is becoming more accepted:
Every studentmust showtheiridentity card on entering the examination room.(preferred toEvery student must show his identity card.)
A nursehas to be very open and understanding.Theymust listen to their patients and respond to them.(preferred toShe must listen to her patients. orHe must listen to his patients.)
See also:
Pronouns: indefinite (-body, -one, -thing, -where)
Suffixes-man, -master-womanand-ess
Many people feel that traditional uses of the suffixes-man, -master, -womanand-essare sexist and outdated, so alternative, neutral forms are often used (m = male; f = female).
traditional form | neutral alternative |
fireman(m) | fire-fighter |
policeman(m)policewoman(f) | police officer |
headmaster(m)headmistress(f) | headteacherorhead |
waiter(m)waitress(f) | server(American English) |
In many cases, we can use the traditional male suffix for both sexes.
traditional form | neutral alternative |
actor(m)actress(f) | actor |
manager(m)manageress(f) | manager |
poet(m)poetess(f) | poet |
waiter(m)waitress(f) | waiter |
Nouns, adjectives and verbs withman
Some nouns, adjectives and verbs which includemanare considered sexist nowadays. We can often use neutral alternatives:
traditional form | neutral alternatives |
manpower(noun) | workers, workforce, staff, personnel, human resources |
man(verb) | staff, be at, attend to |
manmade(adjective) | artificial, synthetic |
The firm is hoping to take on moreworkers(orstaff).(preferred to… more manpower …)
Somebody will have tobe atthe entrance to take the tickets as people come in.(preferred toSomebody will have to man the entrance …)
Syntheticfibres are never as nice to wear as natural ones.(preferred toManmade fibres …)
See also:
Gender
Man,mankindorpeople?
Nouns
Nouns and gender