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Is "female" offensive? (self.asklemmy)

submitted 9 months ago by Trincapinones to c/[email protected]

281 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I am not a native English speaker and I have sometimes referred to people as male and female (as that is what I have been taught) but I have received some backlash in some cases, especially for the word "female", is there some negative thought in the word which I am unaware of?

I don't know if this is the best place to ask, if it's not appropriate I have no problem to delete it ^^

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[–] [email protected] 28 points 9 months ago (1 children)

"I have a female friend." (As in "I have a friend that's a woman.") "I've talked with a female today." (As in "I've talked with a woman today.")

The first one is fine, because isn't using the word as an adjective. The second one is derogatory, because it is being used as a substantive.

[+] [email protected] -15 points 9 months ago (3 children)

So stating a fact is derogatory?

Where the fuck do y'all get your information?

[–] Holyginz 7 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Found the incel lol

[–] [email protected] -3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Considering I read the initial statement to my mom (60) and she said wtf?

Y'all just assume. Hope ya don't go through life with that kind of outlook you will never make friends

[–] IzzyScissor 5 points 9 months ago (1 children)

"My mom said it's OK" is just telling on yourself, my dude.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 9 months ago

Lmao this incel can't stop commenting in here 😂

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

What do you mean by facts? How is female defined by you? Because I doubt you genetically test for XX chromosomes before you say female, right?

I think there are plenty of words that can be factual, but also unkind. And that is all that this is about. I would at the very least find it odd if someone used "human specimen" instead of calling me a man, though it is factual. I think trying to use the words that describe people the way they see themselves instead of hanging onto some logical ideal is a normal transition languages make over time and is a kinder way to be.