helpmate/helpmeet

these terms are most often used for women and they imply a certain existential inferiority. While still in the White House, Louisa Adams wrote, "Man's interpretation of the word 'helpmate' as used in the Bible means this: Women made to cook his dinner, wash his clothes, gratify his sensual appetites, and thank him and love him for permission to drudge through life at the mercy of his caprices. Is this the interpretation intended by the Creator, the father of all mercy?" Probably not. Modern scholars say the meaning of the original Hebrew was actually "suitable partner," someone to walk side by side with him. See also Adam's Rib.