Sexist language
Sexist language is language which excludes one sex or the other, or which suggests that one sex is superior to the other. For example, traditionally, he, him and his were used to refer to both sexes, male and female, but nowadays many people feel that this makes she, her and hers seem 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/her or his/her to refer to both sexes at the same time. When speaking formally, we say he or she and his or her:
- The teacher is the person who organises the class. (S)he is the one who controls timekeeping and the sequence of events.
- Not:
She is the one… orHe is the one… - A police officer should remember that he/she is a public servant and should therefore always be polite. It is his/her duty to assist the public.
- University administrator: Could each candidate please leave his or her exam registration form at the office before midday, please? (spoken)
We can use they, them, their and theirs to 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 student must show their identity card on entering the examination room. (preferred to Every student must show his identity card.)
- A nurse has to be very open and understanding. They must listen to their patients and respond to them. (preferred to She must listen to her patients. or He must listen to his patients.)
- Pronouns: indefinite (-body, -one, -thing, -where)
Suffixes -man, -master -woman and -ess
Many people feel that traditional uses of the suffixes -man, -master, -woman and -ess are sexist and outdated, so alternative, neutral forms are often used (m = male; f = female).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) | headteacher or head |
| 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 with man
Some nouns, adjectives and verbs which include man are 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 more workers (or staff). (preferred to … more manpower …)
Somebody will have to be at the entrance to take the tickets as people come in. (preferred to Somebody will have to man the entrance …)
Synthetic fibres are never as nice to wear as natural ones. (preferred to Manmade fibres …)
- Gender
- Man, mankind or people?
- Nouns
- Nouns and gender