SEARCH UNSPINNING THE SPIN: THE WOMEN'S MEDIA CENTER GUIDE TO FAIR AND ACCURATE LANGUAGE

To determine if a word or phrase is fair or accurate, type it into the search box. Or return to the Unspinning the Spin home page.



WMC Unspinning the Spin

old lady/old man

these terms have been used for generations (usually with "my") to refer disrespectfully to one's spouse, live-in partner, or parent. "Old man" has also been used to refer quasi-admiringly to one's boss or to a high-ranking male officer; "old lady" never was used this way. Note the nonparallel "lady/man." See also old, old woman.


SHARE

[SHARE]

Article.DirectLink

ABOUT

Unspinning the Spin: The Women's Media Center Guide to Fair and Accurate Language

By Rosalie Maggio


 

ALPHABETICAL ENTRIES:
A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V · W · X · Y · Z

INTRODUCTION by Robin Morgan and Gloria Steinem

WRITING GUIDELINES