10 definitions by Sexism Education
Bubbly is used to describe a woman who is outgoing, friendly and funny. Rather than using those words (as you would for a man), saying ‘bubbly’ is a way to subtly demean these admirable qualities in a woman.
Bubbly is best used to describe a bottle of champagne rather than a female colleague’s personality. Gendered language can affect women’s confidence and ability to be themselves in the workplace.
Bubbly is best used to describe a bottle of champagne rather than a female colleague’s personality. Gendered language can affect women’s confidence and ability to be themselves in the workplace.
He stopped using the word bubbly to describe his female colleagues, when he learned it was a consolation-prize compliment.
by Sexism Education March 6, 2022
Feisty is a condescending way to describe a woman who has an opinion and is determined to achieve her goals.
It’s uncommon for CIS men to be described as ‘feisty’ due to society’s unconscious bias towards how men and women should act. In their guide to improving the media coverage of females, the Women’s Media Centre lists ‘feisty’ as one of the words that should be avoided, describing it as “normally reserved for individuals that are not inherently powerful”.
It’s uncommon for CIS men to be described as ‘feisty’ due to society’s unconscious bias towards how men and women should act. In their guide to improving the media coverage of females, the Women’s Media Centre lists ‘feisty’ as one of the words that should be avoided, describing it as “normally reserved for individuals that are not inherently powerful”.
by Sexism Education March 6, 2022
Emotional describes someone who has shown a valid human response to a situation. This word is often misused to describe emotionally intelligent women in the workplace. There is a well-documented history of women being labelled as ‘emotional’ and ‘hysterical’ and therefore not equipped to lead.
Even presidential candidates fear being judged as emotional:
“It’s a really delicate balancing act—to be yourself, to express yourself, to let your feelings show, but not in a way that triggers all of the negative stereotypes.” –Hillary Clinton
Even presidential candidates fear being judged as emotional:
“It’s a really delicate balancing act—to be yourself, to express yourself, to let your feelings show, but not in a way that triggers all of the negative stereotypes.” –Hillary Clinton
After a difficult client meeting, Jane became emotional. One of her male colleagues rolled his eyes and the other went over to see if she was okay.
by Sexism Education March 6, 2022
Dramatic is used to describe a woman who expresses passion or enthusiasm for a subject or situation. It plays into the stereotype that women are oversensitive and dramatise situations due to their inability to think rationally.
In the Nike ‘Dream Crazier’ campaign Serena Williams expressed, “When we show emotion, we’re dramatic” calling out how women competing at a high level can’t show their dedication to their sport in the same way that men can.
In the Nike ‘Dream Crazier’ campaign Serena Williams expressed, “When we show emotion, we’re dramatic” calling out how women competing at a high level can’t show their dedication to their sport in the same way that men can.
At first, he thought she was being dramatic, but then he realised she just had a lot of enthusiasm for the job.
by Sexism Education March 6, 2022
When applied to a woman, difficult relates to the idea that women are impractical for having high expectations for themselves and others. When we call a woman difficult, we could be saying: “She’s asking me to challenge myself and I’m not comfortable with a woman doing that”. Words like decisive or determined are more positive ways to describe female colleagues.
He noticed that his female colleague didn’t live to please others. Instead of labelling her a ‘difficult woman’, he respected her ability to say no.
by Sexism Education March 6, 2022
Sassy is used to describe women who are quick-witted and clever. Instead of praising these qualities, which are celebrated in men, people are often quick to undermine women for stepping outside of their ‘lane’ with sarcastic and quirky comments.
by Sexism Education March 6, 2022
Cute is a demeaning way to describe a woman who is approachable and endearing. Unlike small children, fluffy toys and puppies, professional women rarely appreciate being called cute. Cute implies that someone is adorable and sweet—qualities that people associate with women due to society’s ingrained expectation of how women should look and act.
Her male colleague called her ‘so cute’ and she reflected on how he would react if she had called him that.
by Sexism Education March 6, 2022