Cambridge Dictionary makes definitions of ‘man’ and ‘woman’ trans-inclusive – anti-trans groups are predictably fuming
Cambridge Dictionary is the latest publication to update its entry of ‘man’ and ‘woman’ to a trans-inclusive definition.
The publication, which by its own words is “designed to help users understand English as it is currently used”, follows Merriam-Webster updating the definition of ‘female’ and ‘girl’ back in 2021.
“An adult who lives and identifies as female though they may have been said to have a different sex at birth,” Cambridge added in a secondary description of the meaning of “woman.”
It then offers examples of how the word might apply to the transgender context in sentences:
“She was the first trans woman elected to a national office,” one read. “Mary is a woman who was assigned male at birth,” was another.
Its definition of ‘man’ now reads: “An adult who lives and identifies as male though they may have been said to have a different sex at birth.”
The addition was made by editors in October, according to a CD staffer, who spoke to The Telegraph.
“They carefully studied usage patterns of the word ‘woman’ and concluded that this definition is one that learners of English should be aware of to support their understanding of how the language is used.”
Cambridge dictionary…
Woman:
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💜 pic.twitter.com/RQoWkqBoS2
— LGBWithTheT (@LGBwiththeT) December 13, 2022
Predictably, some folk on – you won’t believe where – Twitter were less than impressed at any kind of progression that might help create a more inclusive world for everyone in it, with one saying:
“Try and tell me they’re not trying to erase women. Cambridge dictionary have changed the definition of a woman. This cannot be accepted. We will not be erased Woman = adult human female. Not someone who ‘identifies as female’”
Did you know that on the Cambridge Dictionary +Plus app you can quiz yourself on word lists in 3 different ways?
💡 Definition check
🗂 Flash cards
🔈 Listen and type
Have a go today on our app! 📲#CambridgeDictionary #WordList #LearnVocabulary pic.twitter.com/yqkDcw2MOZ— Cambridge Dictionary (@CambridgeWords) December 8, 2022