AP Stylebook says the term ‘mistress’ is no longer appropriate
http://twitchy.com/gregp-3534/2021/04/13/ap-stylebook-says-the-term-mistress-is-no-longer-appropriate/
The AP Stylebook alerts readers today that the term “mistress” is no longer appropriate and writers should use “an alternative like companion, friend or lover on first reference and provide additional details later”:
APStylebook ~ Don't use the term mistress for a woman who is in a long-term sexual relationship with, and is financially supported by, a man who is married to someone else. Instead, use an alternative like companion, friend or lover on first reference and provide additional details later.
But ... why? Is this a gender thing?
Skylar Baker-Jordan ~ Is this because there is no male equivalent of the word mistress? Not looking to pick a culture war battle over this word. I am genuinely asking.
Because none of those alternatives accurately describe what’s going on:
Andrew Kerr ~ None of those terms accurately convey "women sleeping with a married man."
If only there were a word we could use to accurately describe such a situation ... two syllables, rhymes with mattress.
Ugh, drawing blanks here.
So, what changed in a month?
Andrew Kerr ~ AP used the term "mistress" in this context in a story published less than a month ago.
If it was ok less than a month ago, why isn't it now, @APStylebook?
Anyway, people are offering up other alternative words. Is “goomar” okay, AP?
Christopher Bedford ~ In 2021, women's lib is showing a little respect for your husband's goomar. It's basically written by Tony Soprano.
Or how about “adulterer”?
Chris Pandolfo ~ I still prefer adulterer.
“Skank and the cheating [a**hole] she’s boinking” works, too:
Courtney Kirchoff ~ Fair point. We should normalize shaming both the skank and the cheating assh*le she's boinking.
There are lots of choices!
Mary Margaret Olohan ~ Other words that work: home-wrecker, adulterer, cheater, seducer, prostitute, concubine, fornicator, kept woman, other woman ... lots of alternatives.
Okay, sire ... what's is gonna be ... stick with "mistress" ... go with "skanky slut" ... or maybe one of your royal favorties - "concubine"? The world is breathlessly awaiting your final, binding decision.
The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer. It has never yet melted. ~ D.H. Lawrence
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