[net.women] Non-easily converted sexist word

sdb@tekecs.UUCP (Steven Den Beste) (09/28/83)

I would be interested to hear if anyone can provide a simple non-sexist
word or phrase which is synonomous with "marksmanship".

Even the word "marksman" is a hard one to change - somehow "sniper"
doesn't have the same connotation.

   Steve Den Beste

mauney@ncsu.UUCP (09/28/83)

References: tekecs.2201

The non-sexist word for 'marksman' is 'sharpshooter'.
The word for 'marksmanship' is 'sharpshootismo'

                    Glad to be of service.
                                   Jon Mauney

stewart@ihldt.UUCP (R. J. Stewart) (09/29/83)

"Marksman" is not hard to do away with.  The option that's most to the
point is "sharpshooter".  However, the word "markswoman" is in the
dictionary so it probably wouldn't be too outrageous to choose
"marksperson".

"Marksmanship" is harder, and may be a case where its best to reword the
sentence or use a short phrase in its place.  Not every sexist word
needs to be replaced with a single, neutral word:

I admire your marksmanship => I admire your skill with weapons.

For a complete, practical treatment of the subject I suggest "The
Handbook of Nonsexist Writing"; C. Miller & K. Swift; Lippincott &
Crowell, NY; 1980.

Bob Stewart,
Bell Labs, Indian Hill