Gender of nouns

[Winwin2011]

Other forms indicating sex/gender

Or he-she- (stressed) is used as a prefix in e.g. he-goat/she-goat, or wolf/she-wolf. (Longman English Grammar, L.G. Alexander. First published 1988)

I was wondering if the 'he-she' is commonly used in modern English?

If we want to emphaize the gender of judges, which of the followings are more common in modern English?

'woman judge' and 'female judge'

Thanks.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Other forms indicating sex/gender

Or he-she- (stressed) is used as a prefix in e.g. he-goat/she-goat, or wolf/she-wolf. (Longman English Grammar, L.G. Alexander. First published 1988)

I was wondering if the 'he-she' is commonly used in modern English?

If we want to emphaize the gender of judges, which of the followings are more common in modern English?

'woman judge' and 'female judge'

Thanks.

Yes, the he- and she- prefixes are used sometimes for some species of animals. Goats are probably referred to more often as billy goat (male) and nanny goat (female). Wolves can be called dog and bitch (just as with domestic dogs) but that could be confusing. When the difference is important, then he-wolf and she-wolf will work, but she-wolf is far more common than he-wolf. Male wolves are often just "wolves".

When it comes to humans, if it is relevant, the adjectives "male" and "female" would be the best.

 

[emsr2d2]

Many people, in these days of equality, will tell you that no differentiation should be made between the sexes when we talk about human beings. There is no reason to specify a female judge, a male nurse, a female construction worker - if the relevant point is their job then their sex is irrelevant.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Many people, in these days of equality, will tell you that no differentiation should be made between the sexes when we talk about human beings. There is no reason to specify a female judge, a male nurse, a female construction worker - if the relevant point is their job then their sex is irrelevant.

I wonder if wolves and goats feel the same. ;-)

 

[emsr2d2]

I wonder if wolves and goats feel the same. ;-)

Try asking them!

 

[Barb_D]

But if you ask the alpha female, ask her VERY politely!

Winwin, it's an important point that many will be offended if you say "lady judge" "woman judge" or "female judge" unless their sex was actually relevant.