As we discussed yesterday in my inaugural post, sometimes common expressions grate on feminists the wrong way. The main objection is to describing things that are undesirable in feminine terms, most especially terms for the female anatomy. Listen, I know it’s a hard habit to break because it is so pervasive (that’s the problem!) so I thought I’d give a guide.
Don’t
Use “pussy” or other yonic terms to describe something as “bad” or “cowardly.”
Use the term “panties in a bunch” to describe an overreaction, especially if you’re talking about a man. Do use other terms for underwear that don’t specifically refer to a gender.
Use the term “like a girl” to mean something negative. I’ve seen for example “throws like a girl” to mean unathletic. I believe, though, that “like a girl” is a terminology just begging to be reclaimed.
Use the term “on the rag” or other implications of menstruation to imply that a woman is illogical or shouldn’t be taken seriously.
Do
Use the term “douche” or variations thereof. Why? Well, douche is something that is undesirable, part of the decades-long campaign to convince women that they are dirty and disgusting. Don’t even get me started on the current brazilian wax craze.
Use terms implying women = good. I’ve seen that the Urban Dictionary lists a definition of yonic as “cool.”
Neutral (Doesn’t provoke a strong reaction in me)
The term “bitch.” It has referred to a female dog, but the term has really just come to symbolize a woman you don’t like. There has to be some term for this!
The term “clutching pearls” for a prudish reaction. It does have a sort of feminine implication, but for some reason I always picture men doing this. Usually because they’re the ones leading the prude parade, I guess.
Follow these guidelines to have a better relationship with the feminists in your life. If you don’t, you’re just a douche.