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Eduardoha81 Posted 14 years ago
Vocabulary

Gender difference

Hi. I have a doubt. All we know what a mailman is. How can I name if it(he/she) is a woman? Mailwoman?, is there a general term or maybe another word to call this person? Considering both gender of course.

Thank you very much!
  

Top answer

Well, mailman (along with many other professions that end in -man) used to be gender neutral as "man" can also mean person (mankind, hu-man). Adding "person" is most common (chairperson, congressperson), but some professions get their own gender neutral adjective. I'd use "mail carrier".

— Vorpar

  • Well, mailman (along with many other professions that end in -man) used to be gender neutral as "man" can also mean person (mankind, hu-man).
  • Adding "person" is most common (chairperson, congressperson), but some professions get their own gender neutral adjective.
  • I'd use "mail carrier".
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8 Answers
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Well, mailman (along with many other professions that end in -man) used to be gender neutral as "man" can also mean person (mankind, hu-man).

Adding "person" is most common (chairperson, congressperson), but some professions get their own gender neutral adjective. I'd use "mail carrier".
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Hi,

In Canada, the Post Office seems to use the term 'letter carrier'.

But when I speak of my mailman, I say 'mailman' because I know he is a man.
If it were a woman, I might say 'mail woman'.

Cli
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I call mine the mail lady. Is that not politically correct? Emotion: sad

CJ
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Femailman. Just kidding.
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Yeah, I think mail carrier is OK.

Thanks
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Do you think it would be the same with other occupations as policewoman, firewoman...? Can we use those terms?
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policewoman, firefighter

CJ
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eduardoha81Do you think it would be the same with other occupations as policewoman, firewoman...?
If you ask me, I would never stress on the *** of the person. I would say: police officer, firefighter. The same goes for:

businessperson
bartender
clergyman/woman---preist
countryman---patriot
freshman---fresher
layman/woman---laypers
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