By now you'd know what the terms man and woman refer to but have to given a detailed thought to the definition of these words associated with gender? Recently, The Oxford Dictionary changed or more aptly amended the definitions of word 'man' and 'woman.' This was following a petition with over 30,000 signatures which claimed that the dictionary was sexist. It was led by PR consultant Maria Beatrice Giovanardi. There was an extensive review by equality campaigners which led to many other changes in the dictionary like synonyms listed to the word 'woman.' Let us understand all these changes and what were the previous definitions of both man and woman. 'Chuddies' Become Latest Indian English Word to be Added in Oxford Dictionary.

Previous Definitions

Oxford Dictionary previously defined woman as "man's' wife, girlfriend or lover." The synonyms listed were word like "bitch" and "bint" which are labelled as derogatory and offensive terms. The word "wench" has been entirely removed. Similarly the definition for man was "woman's husband, boyfriend, or male lover." Merriam-Webster Adds 840 New Words to the Dictionary! ‘Adorbs’, ‘Fav’, ‘Instagramming’ Are Now Certified Words.

New Definitions

Both the terms have been amended to include same gender-neutral terminology. So now the word woman acknowledges as "a person’s wife, girlfriend, or female lover", rather than only a man's. Similarly, with the definition of man is "a person's husband, boyfriend, or male lover." In case you didn't know, this year 'They' pronoun became word of the decade for gender neutral communication.

Some other changes include the tweaking of the examples in 'Housework' which now reads "I was busy doing housework when the doorbell rang." It earlier said, "she still does all the housework."

The petition called out to all phrases and definitions that "discriminate and patronise or "connote men’s ownership" of women to be eliminated. The campaigners requested all the examples stating man were more exhaustive than for the women. Also that women were presented as an irritation in these words and examples. Now talking about the incorporated changes Giovanardi told The Guardian, "A huge step forward for the LGBTQI people. It is respecting their love and unions."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 08, 2020 02:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).