Dictionaries reflect the sexism of society
We cannot deny that language has a social dimension that conditions and modifies it. Language is not inherently sexist, but it can reflect the sexism of the society that speaks it. For this reason, it is necessary to review and update the dictionaries, which are the instruments that collect and standardize the lexicon. It’s not about using politically correct language, but about being aware of the gender perspective and the implications of using certain words or expressions.
But not all dictionaries are the same, nor do they all have the same lexicographic criteria. Some are more conservative and maintain old and obsolete forms that are no longer used or that have a marked sexist character. Others are more innovative and incorporate neologisms and meanings that reflect social and cultural changes. The problem is that many users of the language are unaware of these differences and let themselves be carried away by the authority of dictionaries without questioning them.
A clear example of this situation is the word “cuguç”, which meant “husband of the adulterous woman”. This word, which comes from the Latin cucutium, “hood”, “barretina”, is a relic of the past that has no meaning today. Not only because it is an archaic and little-known form, but because it implies a view of infidelity that affects only men and stigmatizes women. The same happens with the word “cornell”, which also designated the “husband deceived by the wife”, and with its feminine “cornella”, which was the “adulterous woman”. These words, which still appear in some dictionaries marked as old, should be removed because they do not add anything to the current lexicon and because they convey a negative image of women.
The language adapts to reality and new challenges
Fortunately, the language is not static, but evolves and adapts to reality and new challenges. The language is alive and in constant movement, and this can be seen in the most current and descriptive dictionaries, which include the new forms and new meanings that arise from social use. Thus, we find more gender-neutral and inclusive entries (for example, to define “husband” and “wife”) and also new meanings that recognize the role of women in different areas. A notable case is that of “donassa”, which now has the meaning of “Woman, especially of the contemporary era, signified by her intellectual, artistic or civic contribution”.
In addition, language is also creative and expressive, and this is manifested in the new expressions and euphemisms that speakers invent to refer to situations or concepts that no longer correspond to reality or that have a negative charge . For example, instead of saying “cuckold” or “banyut”, which are words that imply a moralistic and blameworthy view of infidelity, you can use expressions like “to be loaded on the forehead” or “to have a slip”, which are softer and funnier. Or, instead of saying “cuguç” or “cuguçós”, which are words that ridicule and despise deceived men, you can use expressions like “tenir beretina” or “wearing a hood”, which are more ironic and cute.
Language has a symbolic and transformative power
To finish, I would like to highlight the symbolic and transformative power that language has. Language is not only a communication tool, but also a form of representation and action. Language can help reproduce or combat sexism, depending on how we use it. For this reason, it is important to be aware of the impact our words have and the responsibility we have as users of language.
This is not about falling into what some call wokism, which is a pejorative label used to disqualify social movements that fight against discrimination. It’s about recognizing that language is a way of building the world and of relating to others, and that it therefore has consequences. As Judith Butler said in her last essay What World Is This?, we must not underestimate the “power of small actions”. Language is one of these actions, and it can be a force for change and progress.
