Summary

The article discusses the importance of using the term "woman" instead of "female" to refer to adult human females, emphasizing the grammatical correctness and respectful connotations of the former, and the dehumanizing and misogynistic implications often associated with the latter.

Abstract

The author of the article explains that the term "female" is a biological adjective referring to the sex capable of producing offspring across species, whereas "woman" specifically denotes a human adult female. Misusing "female" as a noun to refer to women is not only grammatically incorrect but can also carry negative and disrespectful undertones. The article highlights that the term "female" is often used in a derogatory context, particularly by men, to dehumanize and belittle women. The author contrasts this with the lack of similar misuse of the term "male," suggesting a societal issue rooted in internalized misogyny. The article commends the author's husband for his willingness to change his language upon understanding its impact, and criticizes those who refuse to acknowledge the issue despite being informed of its implications. The author argues that the solution is straightforward: people, especially men, should listen to women's concerns and adjust their language accordingly, demonstrating respect and a willingness to grow.

Opinions

The author believes that using "female" as a noun instead of "woman" is grammatically incorrect and disrespectful.
The article suggests that the misuse of "female" often carries a harsh or condescending tone, particularly when used by men.
It is pointed out that "female" is commonly used in misogynistic statements, whereas "male" is not subject to similar misuse.
The author values the willingness of individuals, like her husband, to change their language when informed of its negative implications.
The article criticizes those who continue to rationalize and dismiss the issue after being educated about the proper use of terminology.
The author emphasizes that changing language to be more respectful costs nothing and reflects true intentions and respect for women's perspectives.

Woman vs. Female

Yes, it matters which term you use.

Back when we were just friends, my husband and I were speaking on the phone when I noticed he used the word females when he should have said, women.

I pointed this out to him and after explaining to him the difference — as well as why it personally bothers me — he decided that he would stop doing it.

That’s it. That was the conversation. He realized there was something he did that bothered me — something he doesn’t have to do — and he respected me enough to stop doing it. He even expressed his gratitude and explained that he likes the fact that we could learn these types of things from each other.

What I didn’t realize at the time, however, is that even though his reaction was ideal it was extremely atypical. There have been many a time where I or a friend have tried to make the same correction for someone else only to be met with unnecessary backlash.

In reality, there are valid reasons as to why ‘female’ should not be used in place of ‘woman’.

Fundamentally Wrong

On a grammatical level, it really doesn’t make sense to use ‘female’ in the place of ‘woman’. The term female refers to the sex of a species that is capable of producing offspring. Female is an adjective and can literally be used to describe any species.

In other words, it doesn’t even make grammatical sense to use ‘female’ as a replacement for ‘woman’ in your sentences. If the word ‘female’ is present, it should be used as a descriptor. Example:

“I saw this female the other day.”

A female what? Were you by a pond and saw a female duck? A female squirrel?

But let’s say you’re using the word ‘female’ to describe something. Maybe there’s an award ceremony that will nominate The Best Female Artist or there’s an article written about The Importance of Female Friendship. These examples are fine because we’re using the word ‘female’ as a description and not a noun.

The term ‘woman’, however, differentiates this. You’re no longer talking about the female species of any kind, now you’re talking about a human.

Tone and Intent

I’ll be honest, whenever I see people (men especially) use the term ‘female’ I’ve never seen them use it in a way that’s respectful or positive.

The bottom line is that usually when someone throws out the word ‘female(s)’ it is intended to give off a harsh or condescending tone. Examples include but are not limited to:

“What these females need to realize is….”

“Females are always doing this type of thing…”

“Who is going over this much trouble over a female?”

What these phrases have in common is that the term ‘female’ is blatantly used to be an added insult to what is typically already a misogynistic statement. Never have I seen someone use the term as an endearment: My girlfriend is a wonderful female, my mother is such a strong female, my daughter is an adorable little female, etc. Chances are when I do hear someone use this phrase in a sentence, it’s with an attitude of disdain and contempt.

We Don’t Do the Same with ‘Males’

I have literally seen people use the terms man/boy in the same sentence as ‘female’, and I find it astonishing that they don’t seem to notice what is happening.

I can’t say I’ve met anyone who misuses the word ‘male’ in the same way the word ‘female’ is thrown around. That alone should be enough of a trigger for someone to think to themselves: “You know what? I don’t use ‘male(s)’ in the same way. I wonder why that is?” Hint: The answer is almost always years of internalized misogyny.

The Solution is Simple

This piece is very short because the solution to this is extremely easy. However, the solution can’t happen unless people are willing to execute that change.

I mentioned earlier that my husband stopped misusing the word ‘female’ after we had a brief conversation about it.

Recently, a friend of mine shared on social media her frustration with men misusing the term ‘female’. Naturally, a number of men commented on the post mostly confused questioning why this is so offensive. This part is understandable; when we’re met with new information that challenges what we already know, it’s natural to ask questions to gain a better understanding.

My friend proceeded to calmly explain the reasons why people shouldn’t misuse the word ‘female’ and the negative implications it has. The problem lies in the reaction that took place after. Not only were a number of them rationalizing the misuse of the term ‘female’ right after receiving valid reasons saying otherwise, they essentially just dismissed the issue altogether.

Their stance went from “I don’t understand” to “I understand now, I just don’t want to”. And ultimately, this is what is going to differentiate the people that I want to associate with from the people who I don’t.

It would cost these men nothing — absolutely nothing — to listen to a woman when she says that she finds this type of behavior offensive and unnecessary. Instead, there was just more rationalizing (“I only use it with females I don’t think should get to be called women”), deflecting (“Well women should stop doing xyz first!”) and dismissing (“If men wanted to be disrespectful, they would just say the B word”). To be honest, I’m still not sure why this was such an issue for them or other men (and women) who believe there’s no problem here.

All I can say is this: Pay attention to how people react when you come to them with genuine feelings. When you come to them with truth and vulnerability. Pay attention to how they react when you present them with a request to change a certain behavior or action. With this, you can easily detect true intentions.