English grammar : Usage

Words ending in -man

Many words ending in –man do not have a common feminine equivalent. Examples are: chairman, fireman, spokesman etc. Since most women dislike being called, for example, ‘chairman’ or ‘spokesman’, these words are now often avoided in references to women. They are also avoided in general references to people of either sex. In many cases, –person is now used instead of man.

• Jane has just been elected chairperson of our club.

In some cases, words ending in –woman are coming into use. Example: spokeswoman.

There is also a move to choose words, which are not gender-marked. Examples are: supervisor instead of foreman, firefighter instead of fireman.

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