1 definition by DC_Eric
A term which refers to all of the members of humanity, but is now politically incorrect to say. This is due to the fact that people misunderstand the origin of the term "man", and rather than understanding the etymology of the word they immediately associate it with male dominance.
In old English, males were called "werman" and females "wyfman". "Man" was gender neutral, and has been in use in our language to describe people, in general, since that time.
Despite criticism, it is not incorrect to use "mankind" in writing.
In old English, males were called "werman" and females "wyfman". "Man" was gender neutral, and has been in use in our language to describe people, in general, since that time.
Despite criticism, it is not incorrect to use "mankind" in writing.
by DC_Eric July 17, 2006