Is it normal i hate the use of 'women' as an adjective?

11 Comments

It seems to break all the normal rules of language. First of all, in English adjectives don't have plurals but this usage does (e.g. 'women doctors' vs. 'woman doctor'). It also doesn't mirror anything people would ever use 'men' for. Sticking with the medical theme, you would say 'male nurse(s)' not, 'men nurses' (or 'man nurse'). And finally, it creates ambiguity, because a 'woman doctor' could also mean a doctor who specializes in treating women, e.g. a gynecologist.

I hate that too. 19
I never thought about it, but you're right, it's weird. 31
It doesn't bother me at all. 13
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Comments ( 11 )
  • imadragon
    9 years ago

    I like the way you think.

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  • gorillaphant
    9 years ago

    They are called woman's doctors. The example you give is simply incorrect grammar. If you said you wanted a woman doctor it only means you want a female doctor.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      9 years ago

      Based on what rule of grammar? If a car mechanic repairs cars, why can't a woman doctor treat women? How about a woman hater, is that a hate-filled woman or a misogynist?

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      • gorillaphant
        9 years ago

        Ya know, I don't think there is a specific rule. Nearly any phrase can turn into an adjective. So it may technically be correct, but common usage will dictate what phrases work better for communicating an idea.

        Thank god we have a wide variety of words to choose from to communicate our ideas and thoughts, otherwise people might become confused. Unless, of course, that is your goal.

        And if you can't figure out if your woman doctor is treating women or happens to be female, or both. Then ... I can't help you.

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  • kinkykitten
    9 years ago

    Wtf are you talking about? You really pay attention to this shit? Wow and americans wonder why they are dumb as a whole.Jeez louise....

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    • lolol555
      9 years ago

      How the fuck does thinking about grammar and finding inconsistencies make you an idiot? If anything it means your intelligent, understand them, and are able to compare and apply these rules to find stuff like this.

      I never thought of that, OP, but you're smart person in my book.

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  • Swan_Theif9854
    9 years ago

    Because the default is men -_- according to society

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  • Dr.Moe_Lester
    9 years ago

    Not that big a deal, But I like how you represent. Very intelligent.

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  • dom180
    9 years ago

    The same ambiguity is there even if you use the word "female". A "female doctor" could be a doctor who is female or a doctor who treats females. Same with the word "male". I agree that "male" and "female" make more sense as adjectives, but using them doesn't treat the possibility of ambiguity :P

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      9 years ago

      Yeah, the ambiguity part wasn't my strongest point. It's rarely a real problem. Mostly it just bothers me that it doesn't work the same way as any other word.

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  • Parky_Parker
    9 years ago

    I understand what you are saying. But it doesn't bother me.

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