I was told by my own father not to say the words ‘knackered’ or ‘bloody’ because they were masculine and ‘not lady like’, to quote. It was such an off-hand comment, I don’t even think he realised how sexist it was until I snapped at him, listing the profanities I was not afraid to say at the expense of my ladylike reputation. Sexism in language often goes unnoticed, but it’s at the root of so many other wider feminist issues. How many times have you heard someone use the words ‘stroppy’, ‘bossy’ or ‘strident’ to describe a man with ambition? I think these words in particular are reserved for women only due to the male fear of strong women; but nevertheless, it’s a very good example of everyday sexism
