How Women Are Reclaiming Misogynistic Language

As women, we are used to the more passionate sides of ourselves being denigrated. Our determination is called “bossy”, experiencing anything other than constant glee is “moody” and being loudly passionate makes us “fiery”.

In fact, according to research done by Sweaty Betty 9 in 10 women have reported being described negatively using words such as moody, icy, dramatic and temperamental.

This is so surreptitious that even our dictionaries use these stereotypes in definitions, such as:

Now, as part of its Born for the Storm’ campaign, Sweaty Betty is urging language resources to better reflect attitudes of women and society today.

Interestingly, these words are also how we describe the weather, and this is consistent throughout history.

Between 1953 and 1979, storms were named exclusively after women*, partly because they were perceived as sharing similar qualities: dramatic, unpredictable and impossible to ignore.

Despite this, attitudes are evolving and the overall picture is one of confidence rather than caution. Yes, we are impossible to ignore and so we should be.

75% of women say being called a “force of nature” is a compliment, 76% believe women described in this way should be celebrated, and 71% would happily use the phrase to describe an inspiring woman in their own life.

Melissa Mullen, Brand President, Sweaty Betty, says: “People have spent a long-time comparing woman to storms. We see that as a compliment. Whether it’s being called fiery, relentless or a force of nature, these are the qualities that help women keep going when life gets messy.

“The research shows women aren’t interested in shrinking themselves, softening themselves or waiting for perfect conditions. They’re getting on with it. That’s exactly the spirit behind Born for the Storm. It’s a celebration of women who keep moving forward whatever the forecast, and whatever life throws their way.”

English lexicographer and etymologist, Susie Dent who started her career working on both bilingual and English dictionaries says that if we continue to reclaim the language within society then dictionaries will follow.

Susie Dent says: “It’s remarkable that women still regularly hear and receive such adjectives as “fiery” or “icy” in their everyday lives. Dictionaries, as always, will track these uses and reflect them in their examples, which are drawn from solid evidence of current language.

“Today’s lexicographers describe the usage they document rather than prescribe how words should be used. When together we begin to shift our language from negative to positive, our dictionaries will change alongside us. This research by Sweaty Betty proves just how powerful our word choices can be.”