Language is constantly evolving, and one of the most noticeable changes in modern English is the move towards gender-neutral vocabulary.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore how English has developed from gender-specific words like fireman and policeman to more inclusive terms like firefighter and police officer. We’ll look at why these changes matter, how they’re used in day-to-day English, and how you can use them naturally and confidently.
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“I am a B2 level learner of English and I would like to improve my reading skills. Please adapt the following text to B2 level.”
Write a list of 10 difficult words, collocations and expressions in this text together with the translations in Spanish (or a definition in simple, basic English)
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Message on the inglespodcast website from Manuel who writes:
I’m listening to this episode about new words while I’m commuting to work (https://inglespodcast.com/600 )
In my country, Spain ,in recent years there has been a debate about “neutral gender” words, like niño, niña o niñe, to be inclusive with all kind (kinds) of genders. Some people use the symbol @ for example in a letter or email to address it to a man/woman/other, for example Bienvenid@s.
I heard that nowadays in English words like fireman or policeman are in desused (not politically correct) and instead firefighter and police officer are the words used to be a neutral gender. This could be an interesting issue to discuss in an episode.
What Is Gender-Neutral Language?
Gender-neutral language = language that avoids showing gender unless it is relevant
Also called: inclusive language and non-sexist language
What’s the purpose?
To be inclusive
To avoid assumptions about gender
To reflect modern society and professional roles
Some Common Examples
Jobs and professions
fireman – firefighter
policeman/policewoman – police officer
chairman – chair / chairperson
businessman – businessperson
stewardess/steward – flight attendant
postman – postal worker/mail carrier
salesman – sales assistant / sales representative
cameraman – camera operator
General terms
mankind – humankind/humanity
man-made – artificial/synthetic
manpower – workforce / staff
the common man – the average person
odd man/one out – the one that’s different to the others
the man in the street” – average person
man up – be brave (potentially outdated/problematic)
man’s best friend – dog
to bitch – to complain/criticise someone but not openly
no man’s land – the (disputed) territory between two countries
Pronouns
Everyone must bring his book. – Everyone must bring their book.
(Singular “they” is now standard in modern English)
Some Key Vocabulary & Expressions
promote equality
avoid bias
reflect society
politically correct – PC
challenge stereotypes
inclusive workplace
gender-neutral terms
respectful language
Why Has English Changed?
Social awareness has increased
More women and diverse groups in all professions
Language influences perception (If we say fireman, we imagine a man. If we say firefighter, we imagine anyone.)
…and now it’s your turn to practise your English. Does changing language really change society? Can inclusive language ever go too far?
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In next week’s episode: Describing Physical Appearance in English
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