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Fatimah0786 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Gender neutral word for alumna/alumnus

1.I read in a grammar book that the gender neutral word for alumna/alumnus is "alum", but I couldn't find the word anywhere else.The word alum also means-a specific chemical compound.So is the usage of "alum" common enough for me to use it?

2.Can someone suggest me a gender neutral word for air hostess?
  

Top answer

So is the usage of "alum" common enough for me to use it? Some people say 'alum'. Some people object to it as being a 'recently manufactured' term.

— Clive

  • So is the usage of "alum" common enough for me to use it?
  • Some people say 'alum'.
  • Some people object to it as being a 'recently manufactured' term.
  • Some people prefer the neutral term 'graduate'.
  • Can someone suggest me a gender neutral word for air hostess?
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5 Answers
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1.I read in a grammar book that the gender neutral word for alumna/alumnus is "alum", but I couldn't find the word anywhere else.The word alum also means-a specific chemical compound.So is the usage of "alum" common enough for me to use it?

Some people say 'alum'.
Some people object to it as being a 'recently manufacture
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Does the word stewardess also mean flight attendant?
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How is the word "alum" pronounced?
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I say it "uh-LUM."

I object less to "alumnus" as gender neutral than I do to "alumni" as singular.

He's an alumni of Harvard. Ugh!

In a generic use, like "This is open to any alumnus/alumna of [name of school...]" I completely agree that "graduate" is a wonderful, gender-neutral alternative.
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alumnus-i masc. (nominative sing. pl.)
alumna-ae fem. (nominative sing.pl)

alum is an abbreviation for either.

and yes - flight attendant
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