Do you know what gender specific words are? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on gender specific words, including the definition, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Grammar Monster, there are many different words in the English language that are gender specific to male and females. These are terms like policeman and policewoman, actor and actress, fireman, salesman, mankind, businessman, stewardess and steward, postman and postwoman, waiter and waitress, or using “dear sir or madam” at the beginning of a letter. These words depend on knowing the gender identity of a person, which is often assumed to match their biological sex. However, it is usually far better to opt for gender-inclusive language or gender neutral language to refer to people. Instead of gender specific language for a profession or type of person, opt for gender-neutral language like chairperson, servers, letter carrier, firefighter, police officer, postal worker, flight attendant, sibling, humankind, or spouse. Specific languages like French or German have all of their nouns have a gender. Some view not using gender-neutral words and using gender-specific language to be sexist language that is dated. Try to avoid using specifically masculine nouns or feminine nouns unless you are positive about the group you are speaking to, and opt for gender-neutral terms instead.
Many different languages also use different words that mean gender. You may notice that some of these translations of masculine look similar to the word adjective. These are called cognates, which are often formed when two words have the same root or language of origin.This list of translations of gender comes via Word Sense, but you can also find translations via other online dictionaries.
A gender specific word can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! The following sentences are examples of gender specific words from Grammar Monster and UNC that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use. Try to use the term gender specific words today or notice when someone else is using a gender specific word.
Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes. (Actor Jim Carrey)
Ask her to describe her purpose and audience and show how she has taken them into account in her writing.
I haven’t spoken to my wife in years. I didn’t want to interrupt her. (Comedian Rodney Dangerfield)
Respond as a reader, explaining what you were thinking as you read his text so that he can discover where a reader might struggle with his writing.
Don’t call me “chairman” because I’m a woman. Don’t call me “chairwoman” because my sex is irrelevant. Don’t call me “chairperson” because that term is trying too hard not to be sexist. Call me “chair.”
She got her looks from her father. He’s a plastic surgeon. (Comedian Groucho Marx)
A student who loses too much sleep may have trouble focusing during [his/her] exams.
When the winner has been selected, she or he will be advanced to the next round of the competition.
Our agreement is that the first person who picks up his or her cell phone must treat the rest of the group to dinner.
My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it. (Writer Mark Twain)
What are other grammar terms?
There are many different grammatical techniques and devices that you might see when you are reading prose or poetry. It is important to recognize these terms because they are always used for some purpose. Knowing these devices can help readers understand the author’s deeper meaning and why they are using such a device. Take a look at the below list of grammatical devices from OED and see how many you know! Then try researching ones that are unfamiliar to you.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
Kevin
November 19, 2021
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