Bachelorwise

/ˈbætʃələrwaɪz/ adverb

Definition

In the manner of a bachelor; according to bachelor fashion or custom; as bachelors do.

Etymology

From bachelor + -wise (Old English suffix meaning in the manner or direction of, related to 'way'). The -wise suffix survives in modern words like clockwise and likewise, meaning in that direction or manner.

Kelly Says

Bachelorwise is a beautiful example of how archaic -wise combined with occupation words to create vivid adverbs—people said bachelorwise, merchantwise, and priestwise to paint pictures of how different social groups lived, which made English sound almost like different languages for different communities.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Rare -wise suffix form carries gendered assumptions; 'bachelorwise' frames unmarried male comportment as a knowable, describable mode, while no parallel female equivalent carried equal prestige.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid entirely; use 'in unmarried fashion', 'as an unmarried person', or specify the actual comportment.

Inclusive Alternatives

["in unmarried fashion","as an independent person"]

Related Words

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