http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/15139194/misogyny-definition-changes-with-the-times/ Prime Minister Julia Gillard's fiery speech about sexism and misogyny has even forced the word watchers to take note. The Macquarie Dictionary has announced it is broadening the definition of the word "misogyny". As it stands, the reference book says misogyny is a hatred of women, the kind that's pathological. But editor Sue Butler says it's time that changed to reflect what Ms Gillard really meant last week when she accused Opposition Leader Tony Abbott of sexism and misogyny during a speech to parliament. Not that he needs a session on the psychiatrist's couch, but that he merely has an "entrenched prejudice against women". That will be the official second definition in the next updated edition of the dictionary. "We decided that we had the basic definition, hatred of women, but that's not how misogyny has been used for about the last 20, 30 years, particularly in feminist language," Ms Butler told ABC radio on Wednesday. "Sexist does seem to be moving towards this description of surface features and misogynist applies to the underlying attitude." It was the underlying prejudice that gave rise to these instances of sexism, Ms Butler said. Misogyny was like sexism, with a "stronger edge to it". Ms Gillard's scathing attack on Mr Abbott was a speech heard around the world and applauded for its gender equality agenda. The prime minister, now on a visit to India, was asked a direct question by one local: "Do you like the man?" Although at one time they had admitted to flirting across the dispatch boxes, Ms Gillard laughed and said she bore Mr Abbott no personal ill-will. However, she was keen to see him remain opposition leader for the rest of his life. Nationals senator Fiona Nash later took issue with Macquarie's lexicography, saying it shouldn't be making amendments "every time a politician mangles the English language". She said in a statement that it was Ms Gillard who needed to refine her words. Based on previous remarks, Senator Nash suggested Macquarie could also look at new definitions for sexism. For instance, sexism could mean any criticism of the prime minister, she said. ================================================================================================= Time for us all to have a laugh. It`s hilarious to watch the double standards, the desperation, frustrated megalomania, the oral gymnastics. Just a suggestion, rather than change the meaning of words to suit BS, why not just tell the truth? PMSL
I think Fiona Nash is 100% correct on this issue. The meaning or words in a dictionary should not be changed to suit the ramblings and sexist vilification of Gillard towards another person. This is just plain wrong!!
It's called politics boys and girls, and it appears this is how this upcoming campaign is going to be fought, like it or not. Again I say Abbott opened himself up to this years and years before he was leader. It is the ongoing "women hear me roar " rhetoric that is the turn off. There is such a thing as too much of something.
They`ll have to change the meaning of "misandrist", to keep an "equal" balance, although it needn`t be changed to describe Gillard herself.
